by Greg Blanchard, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Toronto, ON — Carman Hie is feeling optimistic heading into this Monday night’s Celias Councel Trotting Series Final at Woodbine, but he also remains realistic when it comes to his chances.

The veteran horseman will send out Moment Of Zen, fresh off a solid wire-to-wire performance in last week’s second leg of the series. Despite the victory, Hie knows she will have to be even better this week.

“Well, I think that Conway Maid is a bit of a special filly and looks like the standout right now,” Hie admits. “My filly came out of last week’s race very well. I was a little bothered though at the finish because she got a bit weak at the end of the mile. It could be a number of things — inexperience, weather or just waiting for some company — it’s hard to say really.”

Moment Of Zen has been a pleasant surprise so far for owner Andrew Demetrious of Campbellville, Ontario, who purchased her out of the 2005 Lexington Select Yearling Sale for just $14,000 before turning her over to Hie to begin training.

The New Jersey-bred daughter of Dream Vacation-Auntie We was a natural from day one and impressed Hie in her lone start as a rookie.

“I raced her at Flamboro in a maiden race and she won easily in 2:03,” recalls Hie. “She did it effortlessly and really impressed me. I told Andrew that we should probably stop with her right there because she showed me enough to think she could come back and be a very nice 3-year-old.

“She has all the attributes you’d want in a filly. She is a big, strong filly and very intelligent. I would describe her as really laid back which is something that will serve her well in the future and she has a beautiful gait. The only thing I’m not sure about at this point is the speed. I’m hoping she will pick that up and she’ll have to if she’s going to race in some of the bigger dances.”

Only five starts into her sophomore campaign, Moment Of Zen has two wins and two runner-up finishes to her credit. Driver Steve Condren, who recently returned from his annual winter vacation in Florida, took over the driving two starts back and will be back behind the filly on Monday night from post four.

Ironically, both of Moment Of Zen’s second place finishes this season have come at the hands of Conway Maid, who is poised for a series sweep.

The daughter of Conway Hall-Maiden Lane is currently riding a three-race win streak for trainer Mike Keeling. Just prior to her two preliminary leg victories, she took a career best 1:57.2 mark on March 25 at Woodbine.

Regular driver Paul MacDonell, who missed last week’s leg while on a short vacation, will be back behind the expected favorite this week from post seven.

First race post time on Monday night from Woodbine is 7:40 p.m.

Here is a complete look at the field for this year’s C$49,200 Celias Councel Final:

Post, Horse, Driver, Trainer
1, St Lads Diva, K. Oliver, W. Bloomfield
2, Delcrestclassyhall, R. Mayotte, D. Delaney
3, Manvers Maple, M. Saftic, E. Peconi, Jr.
4, Moment Of Zen, S. Condren, C. Hie
5, Saranade K C, J. Jamieson, W. Bloomfield
6, Paradox Trillium, J. Moiseyev, Ro. Waples
7, Conway Maid, P. MacDonell, M. Keeling
8, Sportyportia, Ph. Hudon, J. Remmerswaal
9, Shezcasual, Ra. Waples, J. Libby
10, Jtlady Strong, M. Baillargeon, N. Jones