The top Invitational race in Atlantic Canadian harness racing goes to the gate this Saturday (July 14) at Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway in the culmination of Governor’s Plate week.

The 50th edition of the Governor’s Plate, presented by Township Chevrolet Buick GMC, carries a $25,000 purse and will be contested as race 16 on the Saturday evening card at Red Shores Summerside. The program kicks off with a 6:30 P.M. first race post time featuring another chance at the $100,000 Dash For Cash in the Governor’s Plate final for two lucky patrons.

Euchred has been installed as the morning line favourite in the $25,000 Governor’s Plate final with rail control gained at the Tuesday evening’s official post position draw. Adam Merner drives the son of Shadow Play for trainer Terry Gallant and owner Kayla Habicht Walker of Inverness, N.S. Euchred won Governor’s Plate elimination one Sunday afternoon in 1:54 by five lengths. Gallant has won the Governor’s Plate twice before with Outlawpositivcharg in 2008 and 2009.

Defending champion Do Over Hanover is selected as second choice by race secretary Gerard Smith from post six. Jason Hughes drives the 2017 Governor’s Plate winner for trainer Chris MacKay and owners Red Isle Racing of North Granville, Donald MacRae of Vernon Bridge and Allard Racing Inc., of Quebec.

Selected for third is post two starter, and Governor’s Plate elimination winner, Czar Seelster with Kenny Arsenault at the controls for trainer Todd Weatherbee and owner Tammy Johnston of Vernon Bridge. Arsenault won the race previously in 2011 with Serious Damage.

Race analyst Bo Ford puts his faith in Euchred to capitalize on his inside post position and land in the winner’s circle in the historic race.

“Euchred was dominant throughout the early part of the season and he hasn’t been too shabby lately either, offering a not worse than second in five of his last six starts,” Ford said. “With so many hard-hitting contenders in here the rail could be the deciding factor.”

Another piece of history could occur as post seven starter In Spades is driven by 18-year-old driver Austin Sorrie, who will drive in the classic event in just his 74th scheduled lifetime drive. Sorrie trains the son of Bettors Delight for owner Walter Simmons of Summerside. In Spades shows the fastest miles so far this season with a blistering 1:53.1 victory over Red Shores Charlottetown on June 30.

The ownership group of William Andrew of Calgary, Alta., and Brian Andrew of Milton, P.E.I., have two entries in the race with Keep Coming leaving from post four with Corey MacPherson in the bike and Cartoon Daddy leaving from post eight for driver Dale Spence.

Gilles Barrieau has won a record five Governor’s Plate finals and gets another chance Saturday evening from post three with Mr Irresistible for conditioner Jennifer Doyle and owner Danny Birt of Vernon Bridge.

To complete the field, Nogreatmischief has post five for trainer-driver and co-owner Walter Cheverie of Nine Mile Creek and Brian Thompson of Charlottetown. The seven-year-old son of Bettors Delight will be making his first Governor’s Plate appearance while his driver has previously won the race with Barney Baren in 2000.

The Saturday program also features the $5,000 Governor’s Plate consolation in race five, the $2,500 Andrew Perry Invitational trot in race eight and a $3,500 Fillies and Mares Open pace in race 15. Also on the docket is the Atlantic Sires Stakes for three-year-old pacing colts featuring a pair of $12,800 A divisions .

To view the entries for Saturday night, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Red Shores Summerside.

(with files from Red Shores)