Maple Leaf 10K road race, starting and finishing at Dockyard.

And while he refuses to commit himself to next week's annual Marathon Derby, most believe he will be on the start line and on this performance will be a firm favourite.

A strong breeze, estimated at close to 20 knots, prevented any record times from being established in a race that many used as a final tune-up for May 24.

But Smith finished in a fast 33.29 with Wright following him home in 33.30 -- a showing which also augurs well for his Marathon Derby bid.

Further back in third place was Neil de ste Croix in 33.54 while Gary Kelson, on the comeback trail, placed fourth in 34.02 and reigning Marathon Derby champion Brett Forgesson fifth in 34.28.

Jennifer Fisher, who has had things very much her own way on the road racing scene for the last year, grabbed the women's title with a time of 38.41. Julia Hawley was second in 40.08 and Lesley Caslin third in 41.30.

Defending women's champion Maria Conroy Haydon, who also won in 1987, was forced to pull out after just half a mile having suffered an injury at work earlier in the week.

Conroy Haydon said later she was suffering from an umbilical hernia which would eventually require surgery. However, she would rest until later this week before deciding whether or not to run in next week's big race in which she is seeking her first victory.

Smith, who also won the Maple Leaf three years ago, had to call on his sprinting ability to brush aside the challenge from Wright at the finish. The two bolted ahead of the pack after a mile and from then on it was a two-man race with Smith running most of the way on the shoulders of Wright. With just a mile left Smith managed to take the lead and was able to hold off a final surge by his challenger.

Forgesson didn't appear fazed by his fifth place finish, seemingly satisfied with what he said was was his final tune-up for next week.

"Tracy and Kavin just went ahead of the pack. Only Neil de ste Croix made an attempt to follow but there was a bit of a gap between him and the leaders,'' said Forgesson. "Nobody else attempted to go out after them.'' Forgesson and Gary Kelson ran together for a while until the former pulled ahead after about four miles.

The route was decorated with Canadian flags in recognition of the Canadian Base who were the original organisers of the race before handing over the responsibilities to the Pacers Track Club.

MARIA CONROY HAYDON -- could miss May 24