Horse Racing New Brunswick will host the annual Maritimer stake for three-year old harness racing pacing fillies on Saturday at Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock, New Brunswick.

With two eliminations and a final all contested in the one day, it’s one of the most unique races in the Maritimes.

Each elimination carries a purse $ 8530 with a final worth $ 11,370. The lucrative stake will see a total of ten fillies chasing the harness racing victory in the eighth race finale.

In the first division, Tobins Dream and catch driver Mark Haig are listed as the 7/5 morning line favorite for trainer Kevin McLean. She’s a winner of over $ 44,000 this year. Isle Bea Wickedwon and Gilles Barrieau have rail control in the first division.

Lady Hess has been enlisted as the morning line favorite in the second elimination for trainer Jamie Smith and driver John Davidson. She captured the filly division of the Bremner Stakes a week ago in 1:56 at Connell Park Raceway.

Saturday will also feature the annual Rod Goguen Memorial for a purse of $ 6000 and a competitive group of five starters including New Brunswick owned House Edge Hanover for Gilles Barrieau.

Everett Hanson of Maugerville, New Brunswick comes off a win at Red Shores Charlottetown over free-for-all standouts Twin B Tuffenuff and Bee Two Bee. He leaves from post five for trainer Ron Matheson.

Four of the five starters are New Brunswick owned with Saulsbrook Ian the only outside entry in the field from post three. Nuttin But Finesse and Mike Downey have the inside post advantage and comes off a win in Woodstock last week.

Whats Inthe Esky A for the Bala Stable and Mantario round out the field of starters. Post time for the eight dash card is at 1:00 P.M on Saturday. Horse Racing New Brunswick would like to thank all the horsemen and women for taking part in the program Saturday.

As always, admission and parking are free at Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock and wagering available at regular outlets and on-site. Post time is 1:00 P.M.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Scott Waddell, for Horse Racing New Brunswick