by Paul-André Busque, director of communications, Hippodrome de Montreal

Montréal, PQ — In celebration of Hippodrome de Montreal’s 100th anniversary, the track will present a special distance race covering two and five-eighth miles as part of Sunday afternoon’s (June 3) Prix du Quebec program. The three-lap event carries a purse of C$12,000.

While rare now in North America, distance races were common in horse racing at the turn of the 20th century. Hippodrome de Quebec’s famous five mile race has been presented annually since 1910.

Thirteen horses have been entered for the marathon, the first race on Sunday’s card, which has an earlier starting time of 1:00 p.m.

The track handicapper has tabbed Frostys Paycheck as the favorite but there’ll be plenty of support for Life’s Thrills, a veteran router and 2001 winner, in record time, of the five mile race in Quebec.

Also on Sunday afternoon, Hippodrome de Montreal proudly presents the 10th Prix du Quebec, the first major event of this racing season in Quebec.

Four finals featuring the best Quebec-bred trotters and pacers 4 and older will be contested for purses of C$100,000.

This year’s lineup looks especially competitive, with three 2006 champions back to defend their titles.

In the final for trotting mares, Promising Angel looks strong after winning her elimination comfortably in 1:56.2. She’s been racing well in New York. Canaco Neige, winner of the other elimination, looms as the main rival. The Pierre Touchette trainee trotted a career best 1:56.4 in her victory.

The field for the pacing mares final has proven talent and a few question marks. Baby Loves Lovn broke in her last start but has paced some huge miles this year. Last year’s champion Desir is one year older and, according to trainer/owner Guy Corbeil, sounder than in 2006.

The tussle among male trotters features the top three finishers from a year ago — Pablo Angus, Frostys Haybaler and Naif Normand — who have taken turns beating each another in the interim, and new face Reve d’Amerik, in from Ontario.

Male pacers are a classy group headed by 2006 winner Wayne LA, who showed his readiness with a career best 1:51 victory in the toughest elimination, and Power Park, runner-up in 2006 and winner the two previous years.