by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications
Toronto, ON — Trainer Ryan Maxwell, 26, will be busy Saturday night (January 7) at Woodbine as he sends out a pair of entries in the first leg of the Willowdale Pacing Series. Maxwell, who currently trains 21 horses at Mohawk, will send Hare Craft and Reckless Ric postward in their respective C$30,000 divisions.
Hare Craft, the top Ohio Sires Stakes 3-year-old pacing colt in 2011, has banked $215,095 in his career for Maxwell along with owner Steve Heimbecker, who co-owns the bay gelding with regular driver Aaron Byron.
New Image Media photo
Hare Craft will tackle a field of seven in his Willowdale Pacing Series division.
The son of Yankee Cruiser was purchased for $135,000 in the summer of 2011 and since has recorded an impressive resume, which includes six wins, three seconds and two third-place finishes from 15 starts.
Fresh off a pair of qualifying efforts, Maxwell admits the Willowdale Pacing Series was a last minute addition to Hare Craft’s schedule.
“He came back in after giving him three weeks off,” he said. “We were actually going to give him three months off, but the owner (Steve
Heimbecker) saw two stake races and decided we should put him in it. We’ll see how he does in the Willowdale and if everything goes well, we will go to the Aquarius at the Meadowlands.”
Hare Craft has a lifetime best of 1:49.3 taken this past summer at Mohawk. He will start from post six in the second division (Race 9).
Reckless Ric is the newest edition to Maxwell’s stable as the son of Quick Pulse Mindale was sent to him from previous trainer Tyler Raymer.
The 4-year-old bay, who has banked $197,360 in career earnings, has been under Maxwell’s care for just one start, but Maxwell likes what he sees thus far.
“He’s a big, rugged freak to look at,” Maxwell said. “He’s just beautiful to sit behind and he’s a really good horse.”
Reckless Ric has a lifetime best clocking of 1:50.3 for owners Jerry and Theresa Silva, Bramdeo Singh and John Polvinale. He will begin from post two in the first division (Race 2).
The C$40,000 second leg, for 4-year-old pacers in 2012, is scheduled for Saturday, January 14, with the C$100,000 final slated for Saturday, January 21.
WEG’s Communications team spoke to Maxwell about his pair of entries. To view the video, please click here.
The first leg of the Willowdale Pacing Series will line up as follows:
Race 2–First Division
1. Fox Valley Yukon
2. Reckless Ric
3. Watermelonwine
4. Odysseus Bluechip
5. Lonesome Attack
6. Audreys Dream
7. My Man Charley
Race 9–Second Division
1. Mach Of Ballykeel
2. I’m Feelin Good
3. Camaes Fellow
4. Mystician
5. Westwardho Hanover
6. Hare Craft
7. Prana