by Don Bielak, for Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack

Chester, PA — A total of 12 of harness racing’s most accomplished trotters will do battle on Sunday, May 18, in two $40,000 eliminations for the Maxie Lee Memorial at Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack. The first four finishers in each elimination will advance to the $250,000 final on Sunday, May 25.

The 7-5 morning line choice in the first elimination is Taylor, Gold, Basen and Fuller’s Buck I St Pat. The 5-year-old Jailhouse Jesse mare is currently the top ranked older trotter in harness racing by virtue of six wins in eight starts this season, including victories in the Mack Lobell at Pompano Park and, most recently, a sharp 1:53 tally in the Miss Versatility on May 11 at the Meadowlands. Buck I St Pat will leave the gate from the outside post six and will be guided by Tim Tetrick for trainer Mickey Burke.

Photo Maxx, Beach Nut Brand, Digital Image, Cayenne Turbo and Two Weeks Notice round out the field for elimination one of the Maxie Lee Memorial.

Sam Bowie’s Before He Cheats will open on the board as the even money favorite in the second elimination. The Dirk Simpson trainee is lightly raced so far this season, winning two of his three starts including a powerful 1:52.4 victory in the Su Mac Lad final at the Big M on May 2. Before He Cheats has demonstrated an affinity for the Chester oval, having scored a sweep of the Chester Trotting Series late last season.

Before He Cheats’ owner, Sam Bowie, is a former NBA star and a local product, having been raised in nearby Lebanon. Before He Cheats has drawn the outside starting slot in the six horse field. The 4-year-old gelded son of Valley Victor will also be handled by Tetrick.

Completing the second elim of the Maxie Lee are Queen Serene, Man About Town, American Lane, Green Day and Chick N Tell.

The race honors the late Maxie Lee, one of the most popular and respected horsemen to race in the Delaware Valley. Lee raced and trained horses at virtually all of the area harness tracks, and had his greatest success at the Meadowlands, Brandywine Raceway and Liberty Bell Park.

Lee is currently featured among other notable horsemen of his era in an exhibit at the Hall of Fame in Goshen, N.Y. The exhibit features Lee’s portrait and is entitled “A Drive to Win.”

Sunday’s big 13-race card of harness action will get underway with a first post of 12:25 p.m.