Harness: Tall task for Foiled Again in Molson Pace

The dimensions of a track can be the great equalizer, making ordinary horses look like champions and briefly transforming great horses into also-rans. On Friday, Foiled Again must rise above the obstacle which is post seven on the half-mile oval at London’s Western Fair Racetrack. With a $150,000 purse on the line in the Molson, the 10-year-old star must overcome the anemic 6.5 percent win rate that accompanies the outside starting post.

“Any other horse, I’d say he has no shot,” said trainer Ron Burke on Foiled Again’s chances of victory. “We need someone to run the other horse a little. If we are parked with cover, I’d like my chances.”

The task for Foiled Again and driver Yannick Gingras is complicated by the caliber of horses to his inside and their form. Lining up along the pylons will be reigning Molson champion State Treasurer. The 5-year-old with a half-million in earnings has won his last three races in sub 1:50 times. Then there is Apprentice Hanover (post 4), who finished second in the Levy final at Yonkers Raceway (one spot ahead of Foiled Again) and paced behind State Treasurer last week in a Preferred race at Woodbine. Dancin Yankee (post 5) has won two straight including the fastest mile in the sport this year—1:47 2/5. Plus, Levy Memorial winner P H Supercam lines up one slot inside of Foiled Again.

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Bettor’s Edge (Post 2), Bandolito (post 3) and Captive Audience (post 8, second tier) round out the field.

“It will be a great watching race,” said Burke, allowing his love of the sport to power past his desire to win. “It is so exciting when everyone gears up and just goes,” he continued, referring to the likely hot pace on Friday.

Statistically the odds say Foiled Again must stay close to the leader if he will have any opportunity to score his third Molson title. Over 76 percent of the eventual winners this year have been at least third at the half mile marker and over 86 percent were at least third at the three-quarter call.

The Molson is the final race on a 12-race card at Western Fair that also features Ontario Sire Stakes and multiple City of London Series finals. Post time is scheduled for 7:05 PM.