Tritton gearing up for Camluck Classic
May 22, 2018,by Greg Gangle, Assistant Raceway Manager, The Raceway at Western Fair District
London, ON — When the field of eight line up for the inaugural Camluck Classic this Saturday (May 26) at The Raceway at Western Fair District, trainer Peter Tritton is hoping a new tradition kicks off right where it ended.
His star-studded pacer Bit Of A Legend N captured the final edition of the Molson Pace last season before the signature event was renamed the Camluck Classic.
Tritton, who resides in Pine Bush, N.Y., will once again make the trip north of the border with the classy 9-year-old.
“He’s coming into the race really well,” Tritton said. “We’ll keep the same routine as we did last year, because it worked out so well. Canada has been good to us and we’re happy to return. The plan is to stay for the week then head to Northfield for the Battle of Lake Erie.”
Claus Anderson photo
Bit Of A Legend N and Jordan Stratton, winners of the 2017 Molson Pace, seek victory in the inaugural Camluck Classic.
The son of Bettor’s Delight is no stranger to half-mile track racing. In fact, from 65 starts on North American soil, the 9-year-old has only raced six times outside a half-mile oval. The winner of over $2.1 million has been a regular fixture at Yonkers Raceway over the past few seasons. Last year alone, Bit Of A Legend N captured signature half-mile track events such as the Molson Pace, Gerrity and Bobby Quillen with $547,070 in seasonal earnings.
“I would say pound-for-pound he’s the best half-mile track horse in North America,” Tritton continued. “I think we have the best horse in the race and Jordan (Stratton) thinks he’s better right now than last year, which is quite amazing, really.”
Tritton admits post position plays a major role in the outcome of the race on the half and is satisfied with beginning from the trailing tier.
“I’m happy with the draw. Obviously you don’t want the outside on a half, and I’m content starting from the second tier. It could be an interesting start into the first turn with a lot of speed, so I’m happy to be inside.
“He’s a special horse, that’s for sure,” Tritton continued. “He paces the turns so well and doesn’t lose any ground. Jordan (Stratton) has done a great job looking after him and we’ve been rewarded.”
Driver Jordan Stratton will once again make the trip to Canada. The young reinsman has driven the superstar pacer in all but one pari-mutuel start on North American soil.
“Jordan is his regular pilot and drives all of my horses,” Tritton said. “We have a great relationship and he looks after my horses very well. You have to pick your spots at the top level — especially at Yonkers — and he’s done a great job of doing that. We’re very fortunate.”
Below is the complete field in post position order:
1. Sunfire Blue Chip – Trevor Henry
2. Isitfridayyet – Alfie Carroll
3. Killer Martini – Scott Coulter
4. Rockin Ron – Louis-Philippe Roy
5. Easy Lover Hanover – Doug McNair
6. Evenin Of Pleasure – Joe Bongiorno
7. Dr J Hanover – James MacDonald
8. Bit Of A Legend N – Jordan Stratton
More than $500,000 in purses will be offered up on the 12-race program which will get underway at 6:55 p.m. A powerful undercard, which includes a pair of Ontario Sires Stakes Gold divisions for 3-year-old pacing fillies along with a quartet of City of London Series finals, will also be contested that night.
For more information, visit the Camluck Classic website.
Related Articles:
- Camluck Classic post position draw complete (Monday, May 21, 2018)
The field for the inaugural C$150,000 Camluck Classic at The Raceway at Western Fair District has been drawn and it was Sunfire Blue Chip drawing the coveted rail position while Bit Of A Legend N, winner of last year’s signature race (formerly the Molson Pace), will leave right in behind from the trailing post eight.
- Killer Martini searches for fitting victory in Camluck Classic (Thursday, May 24, 2018)
When the inaugural Camluck Classic takes place on Saturday (May 26) at The Raceway at Western Fair District, it would only be fitting to have a son of the late sire included in the stellar field of eight. Killer Martini, a 6-year-old son of the Hall of Famer Camluck, will line up from post three in the inaugural event for owner/trainer Ricky Bucci.
- Star pacer has Wallace back on center stage (Saturday, May 26, 2018)
As Easy Lover Hanover gets ready to line up behind the gate in the inaugural Camluck Classic on Saturday (May 26) at The Raceway at Western Fair District, trainer Ben Wallace admits he’s quite humbled to be involved in the Grand Circuit.