by Greg Gangle, WEG media
Campbellville, ON — Trainer Ben Wallace sends out Art Professor in the C$832,000 Canadian Pacing Derby this Saturday at Mohawk.
The 4-year-old son of Art Major has already exceeded the veteran conditioner’s expectations. Purchased for $210,000 at the 2010 Harrisburg Mixed Sale, Art Professor has earned a whopping $396,046 with nine victories this season.
New Image Media photo
Art Professor will be gunning for the Canadian Pacing Derby title on Saturday at Mohawk.
“Beyond a doubt (he has exceeded our expectations),” Wallace said. “We bought him to be a respectable racehorse, not to think that he would be second choice going for $800,000. It’s been a real good run for us.”
With $572,750 in career earnings, the 17-time winner from 48 career starts has finished second in a trio of rich events this season, but Wallace hopes that changes this weekend. The bay horse finished second in the $306,000 Molson Pace, $181,305 Des Smith and $102,000 Gold Cup.
“I wouldn’t be surprised at all (if Art Professor found the winner’s circle),” Wallace said. “But, that’s a great group of horses and I would love to own and train any one of them. He’s going to need a break somewhere along the line to win, but by no means is he a longshot.”
Just four starts ago on July 23, Art Professor marched into the Mohawk record books when he stopped the clock in 1:47.4, a track record for older pacing horses.
“He’s simply just a courageous racehorse and it makes my job and the driver’s job that much easier when you have that sort of ingredient,” Wallace commented. “His speed comes from his desire to get there first and his courage.”
Art Professor will begin from post three for driver Jody Jamieson and owners Brad Grant and Holland Racing Stable Inc.
WEG’s communications department recently spoke with Wallace at Classy Lane Training Center. To view the video click here.