cktimes.ca Archives for That's Sports
That's Sports
Provincial Cup drama unfolds
Tuesday, December 10, 2002
This Sunday is the 37th annual Provincial Cup and the drama in this year's race is so thick it's like a made for TV movie. The world's top harness driver John Campbell from Alsia Craig, Ontario has won more money than any other driver and has won every major race in North America with the exception of the Provincial Cup. Campbell has done well in the eliminations and has come close but has never had his picture taken in the winner's circle.Last night, Campbell made the final while driving Art Major to victory in the first elimination. The three-year-old Artsplace colt went to the front but was never challenged in fractions of 26.4, 56.3, 1:25.3 and a mile time of 1:53.1. North America's leading purse winner, Campbell, noted that Art Major "wasn't gripping the track real well."
Royal Mattjesty took advantage of the two hole ride in the first elimination to finish second while Allamerican Ingot finished third and The Fraternity Pan charged up for fourth. Art Major has won 19 of 29 races this year and has over 1.7 million dollars in the bank including taking top prize in seven of his last eight starts.
The second elimination saw Dreamfair Vogel grind out a first up win after pulling to the outside before the half and draw away down the stretch for a three length win. Mutuel favourite, Mcardle led for most of the race and finished second while Standforsomething was third, Latcka, fourth and Three Olives wound up fifth after getting locked in along the rail.
Mcardle was parked to the quarter by Three Olives but led past the first split in 26.1, before stealing a 30 second quarter and leading the field to the half in 56.1. Mcardle was in front by less than half a length past three quarters in 1:25.3 as Dreamfair Vogel pushed on from the outside. The Bill Robinson trained Village Jiffy colt the drew off to win in 1:53.3 for driver Randy Waples.
The other story lines that could be followed for this year's crowned jewel of Southwestern Ontario harness racing is that Bill Robinson has won five Provincial Cups as a trainer beginning back in 1978 with Dream Maker and then following with Lime Time (1981), Presidential Ball (1993), Pacific Rocket (1994) and Royalflush Hanover (1999). Robinson not only trains the sure favourite Art Major but also other finalists, Royal Mattjesty and Dreamfair Vogel.
Home track advantage is another angle that handicappers and journalists might take as well with local trainer Bob McIntosh having two of his stable in the field for the $437,000 final. McIntosh will have Allamerican Ingot and Standforsomething going behind the gate. McIntosh has won with Bond Street (1988), MysteryFund (1989), Camluck (1990) and
Artiscape (1998) and will try to tie the record for most wins by a trainer by matching Robinson's five victories.
After watching the two eliminations, it looks like Art Major will cruise to the win but the years I've been watching the Provincial Cup tells me that nothing is for sure and that anything can happen. I would love to see Campbell win top prize and get his first cup because he is one of the sport's nice guys. When Artsplace was on his tear and ripping up the racetracks it was reported that Campbell sent every groom that ever took care of the horse a Christmas Card with a $500 cheque with the note " Thanks for making me look so good".
The other local aspect is the winner of the second elimination, Dreamfair Vogel who is owned by John and Mary Lamers of Ingersoll, Ont. I can guarantee one thing some fans will go away happy with some free cash. There will be $10,000 cash given away on Provincial Cup night including draws ranging from $500 to $3,000 and no purchase is necessary. This Sunday things will be rocking at Windsor Raceway with one of the classiest races in the world on the slate.
Gary Patterson was born and raised in Chatham-Kent. He grew up in Thamesville and now lives in Chatham. Patterson was Sports Director at Beaver Communications an Blackburn Radio for over 15 years. Gary is also the track announcer at Dresden Raceway as well as some appearances at Windsor Raceway. He has played all sports inclduing being a mermber of three OBA Championship baseball teams in Thamesville and has also played hockey and football. Gary still plays golf, slo-pitch and ball hockey and well as the odd game of pick up hockey. Patterson is a passionate Miami Dolphin and Michigan Wolverine football fan. Here are few other details about Gary Patterson: Favourite food: steak, chicken wings, chili or Kenny Tharp\'s famous meatloaf; Favourite non alcoholic drink : Diet Coke; Favourite drink: Scotch, Coor\'s Light; Favourite Sports team : Miami Dolphins/Michigan Wolverines/New York Yankees; Favourite Bar : Bru\'s Room Margate Florida/Pompano Beach Florida; Favourite Bartender : Tanya (Margate), Sarah (Pompano); Favourie Vacataion spot : Pompano Beach Florida; Marital Staus : married with chilren Hockey player : Curtis Jospeh/Todd Bertuzzi; Favourite Football player : Retired Dan Marino, Anthony Thomas; Favourite Basketball player : Steve Nash Favourite Baseball player : Derek Jeter; Favourite colour : Blue; Favourite TV Show : CSI Favourite movie : The Sting, Blue Brothers and Field of Dreams; Favourite song Life Been Good To Me ( Joe Walsh); Favourite Band : Tom Petty/Eagles; Favourite type of Dog: Springer Spaniel; Favourite type of Cat : NONE
