In my view the real story at Fraser Downs this week happened before the races on Friday night in a qualifying race.
Maybe one of Canada’s best three-year-old filly trotters strutted her stuff in a qualifying race. The unique part of this story is the fact there are no trotters in Western Canada.
Owner Ming Siu of Richmond bred this filly (I Jasmin) and between himself and regular Fraser Downs trainer, Mike Bourgeois, they got her ready to race and sent her to Ontario last year. I Jasmin earned over $34,000, proving that she belongs with the elite on the Eastern side of North America.
Good luck to Ming and Mike on their travels and I will keep the readers posted over the summer when we can watch and wager on the B.C.-owned I Jasmin.
Also of Friday night (March 28), three-year-old fillies Terrormissu and T Squared won their eliminations of the Marian Young Stake setting up a great race in the $15,000 final this Friday night.
On Sunday (March 30) at Fraser Downs, Big N Bad continues to be the best older horse on the grounds by winning his third Open Pace despite being assigned the outside post position. Bill Davis trains and drives for owner J J J Stable.
Four days remain for the drivers to qualify for the Standardbred Canada Regional Drivers Championship to be held on April 26 at Fraser Downs.
Two of the following are hoping to join Bill Davis and Jim Marino for the Championship, John Chappell (48 wins), Dave Hudon (46 wins) and Scott Knight (46 wins).
The 2013 Standardbred champions will be crowned on Thursday at the annual awards banquet. For more details about the fun night at the Newlands Golf Course call the HRBC office at 604-574-5558.
Live racing resumes Friday night (7 p.m.) and Sunday afternoon at 12:45 p.m.
– Jackson Wittup is the executive director of Harness Racing B.C.