from Western Fair Raceway

London, ON — Judging by the names of incredibly talented performers nominated for this year’s Molson Pace and Forest City Pace at Western Fair Raceway, the 2010 versions could be the finest ever.

The Molson Pace, the track’s signature event introduced in 1972, has a record 43 top male pacers nominated for this year’s contest which will go postward in eliminations on May 22 with the C$225,000 (added) final on May 29.

Among those nominated is last year’s Older Pacer of the Year in Canada, Bigtime Ball. A winner of $451,136 last year at five, and over $1 million lifetime, the gelding is owned by his trainer and breeder, Gord Irwin.

Another millionaire and O’Brien award winner on the list of nominees is Nebupanezzar, Canada’s 2-year-old colt Pacer of the Year in 2008 after winning $946,365 in his debut season. However, the horse didn’t make a start last year at three after suffering an injury for owner/breeder Peter Pan Stables and trainer Bob McIntosh.

Sixdaysontheroad, who has won five of seven starts since shipping to Ontario from Alberta this year, including a four length romp in a Cam Fella Series leg at Woodbine last Sunday, is also nominated. The 4-year-old is trained by Gord Remmen for owners Walter Moroz and Willie Wychopen.

Four starters from last year’s C$283,000 Molson Pace final are also on this year’s list in Silent Swing, Ramegade Bruiser, Lucky Man and Foiled Again.

36 nominated for Forest City

Last year Western Fair introduced the Forest City Pace, a distaff companion event for the Molson Pace. The C$189,000 inaugural event was captured by Southwind Madonna and that mare will try and defend her title again this season.

Southwind Madonna, a daughter of Camluck owned by her trainer Carl MacArthur and the Talacadac Stable, won the first ever Forest City Pace last October in 1:55.1. She’s been nominated once more for the event which goes to post with eliminations on October 23, with the C$125,000 (added) final on October 30.

Other starters from last year’s final nominated for the 2010 event include To Helen Back, A And G’s Confusion, Arts Diva and Four Starzz Meliss. Also included on the list of nominees is $2.19 million winner Southwind Tempo and Breeders Crown champion Hana Hanover.