by Gary Patterson, for Dresden Raceway

Dresden, ON — Sunday’s (June 24) Mark Austin Pacing Series final at Dresden Raceway is going to be a barn burner with every horse a contender.

Grand Bay is listed as the 7-5 morning line favorite. The 3-year-old Badlands Hanover filly will be driven by Dresden’s leading dash winner Tyler Borth and scores from post six. Grand Bay is the only horse in the field that won both eliminations.

A Bit Of Billie drew the four hole and is listed at 2-1 for driver Mark Williams. The 6-year-old Badlands Hanover mare made a break in the first elimination but had a strong showing with an 11-1/4 length win in 2:00.1 with a :29.3 last quarter in the second elimination.

Dynasty Seelster will be one to watch with two second place finishes in the eliminations. The 3-year-old Shadow Play filly will be driven by Scott Wray from post five

Mymumascranky, Presidents Wish and Mickeys Cruiser all won eliminations as well.

The C$12,700 final will wrap up a big day at Dresden Raceway that will see Austin and his friend Ken Houston honored.

Several former NHL players will be at the track to honor former NHL player Ken Houston who passed away in March. The Ken Houston Memorial Pace is programmed for race nine. The synergy of the day is perfect as Houston and Austin were friends and business associates as Austin trained Houston’s horses.

There will also be an auction on Sunday to help raise money for the Ken Houston Scholarship Fund that will give a scholarship to players from Dresden Minor Hockey who are moving on to the next level of education.

Several autographed items will be on the live auction block including signed John Campbell colors, as well as signed jerseys from Lanny McDonald, Frank Mahovolich, TJ Brodie, and Travis Konecny as well as a suite donated by the Windsor Spitfires for a game.

Post time for Sunday is 1:30 p.m.