The top guns came out to play Sunday afternoon (July 5) at Red Shores at Summerside Raceway in Governor’s Plate elimination action, and Avatar J stamped himself as the one to beat in next week’s prestigious final.

The front end held up in both $5,000 eliminations for next Saturday’s Governor’s Plate final, presented by Summerside Chrysler Dodge.

Avatar J captured the fastest elimination in 1:53 for driver Gilles Barrieau, trainer Danny MacDonald, and owners Dean Larkin and Jody Sanderson of Cornwall. The son of American Ideal waltzed through splits of :27.2, :56 and 1:24 while fighting off Screen Test (Corey MacPherson) in the final half. Screen Test finished second, Time To Dance (Marc Campbell) was third, and Mantario (Kenny Arsenault) was fourth to earn a spot in the final.

Avatar J's 1:53 mile equalled the Summerside track record for older pacing entires.

Defending champion Rose Run Quest won the second $5,000 elimination in 1:54.2 after cutting out fractions of :28.2, :57.2 and 1:26.3 for trainer-driver Marc Campbell and owner Blair Hansen. Simple Kinda Man (Jason Hughes) charged hard late to be second, with Hes Marvalous (Myles Heffernan Sr.) third and Bugsy Maguire (Brodie MacPhee) fourth.

The card was opened up with a race that rookie driver Taylor Doyle will never forget, as he scored in 1:59.4 with Chris MacKay trainee Scotlynn Seelster. It marked the first career win for both the filly and the driver.

Visit www.redshores.ca for race replays and more.

To view Sunday's full results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Summerside Raceway.

(Red Shores)