by Scott Waddell, publicity director, Exhibition Park

Saint John, NB — This Friday, the annual Robert McCain Memorial Invitational Pace will be held in Woodstock, New Brunswick.

The purse has been set at C$15,000 and has attracted a stellar field of six starters. Last week’s winner of the Exhibition Cup in Truro, Chief Happysak, will be there and has drawn post four for driver Darren Crowe. He was a winner of the prestigious race at Truro in 1:55.

Mike MacDonald, a previous winner of the McCain, will be bringing Harmony P, who has been campaigning at Rockingham. Charlottetown native Jamie Smith handles the training duties on the pacer who made headlines last year after winning the Gold Cup and Saucer Consolation and then competing in the final after a scratch and just getting beat by Sand Olls Dexter. Harmony P is expected to go for it again this year as one of two entrants from the Smith stable.

Igoddago, the lone New Brunswick owned pacer, has drawn post two for driver Mike Stevenson. He was a fourth place finisher in his last start in the Exhibition Cup and will be looking to rebound with another solid effort. He is sure to be the sentimental favorite.

Other starters include: Channel Six, a horse owned by the once powerful Whebby stable who was a starter as a three-year-old in the prestigious North America Cup. Young teamster Marc Whebby will be at the controls from post five. Chicane for owner and driver Dr. Ian Moore. William Shearer co-owns the pacer with Moore and he has drawn the coveted rail position. GR’s Harrods will leave from the middle of the pack from post three for driver Cyril MacDonald.

Harmony P has been listed as the 2-1 favorite for the final race on the 11 dash card.

Post time for Friday’s card is 7:30 p.m.