On Tuesday, August 9, the official draws took place for three Sobeys Gold Cup & Saucer trials which will lead up to the 52nd running of the much-anticipated event

on Saturday, August 20 at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

There were a record number of horses entered, as 25 being nominated, setting the stage for a trial on Saturday, August 13 (first-race post time 7:00 p.m.), Sunday, August 14 (first-race post time 1:00 p.m.) and Monday, August 15 (first-race post time 7:00 p.m.).

Horse Player Interactive, Canada’s premier online and telephone wagering service, will allow its account holders to place wagers on the action during PEI’s biggest week of the year.

For only second time in history of the 'Cup,' race management has received approval from Global Wagering Solutions to allow account holders in the U.S. and Germany access to the wagering pools. Officials have confirmed agreements with Xpressbet, Racing2Day out of Tampa Bay Florida, and Churchill Downs Corp in Kentucky. A new fibre link was also installed this year to carry all the action to Red Shores' sister property (Red Shores Summerside).

Click here for race dates, race broadcasts, live broadcasts and more.

The fields for the trials appear below.

Sobeys Gold Cup Trial 1
Post Position: Horse
1: Secret Weapon
2: Fleet Sensation
3: Fire On The Water
4: Pan Larceny
5: Oakmont
6: Im Gorgeous
7: Chasin Racin
8: Awesome Armbro N

Sobeys Gold Cup Trial 2
Post Position: Horse
1: Firethorn
2: Southwind Lynx
3: As Tuff As Nails
4: Part Shark
5: Ultimate Success
6: Did It Again
7: Rare Jewel
8: Carnivore
9: Western Raydar

Sobeys Gold Cup Trial 3
Post Position: Horse
1: Western Ace
2: Pontiac Luck
3: Joseph Michael
4: Strand Hanover
5: Formal Affair
6: Blissful Breeze
7: All The Weapons
8: Serious Damage

(With files from Red Shores)