The track maintenance crew at the Hippodrome 3R had the half mile racing oval in prime shape for opening day of the 2021 harness racing season. Mickeymaksomespeed and driver Richard 'The Black Cat' Simard took full advantage of the fast track, sizzling to the lead and never looking back in the Preferred Pace feature. Simard left with Mickeymaksomespeed from post five and had a three-length lead on the field by the opening quarter in :27.2, then led to the half mile in :56.4. Then they opened up at the three-quarters in 1:26 and were leading by six lengths at the top of the stretch.