Johnson Stables Adds Star Pacer
Matticulous GB returns to the Colin Johnson stable and will set his sights on lifetime win number 33 in the Sunday afternoon (Dec. 11) feature at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Sunday afternoon will feature a12-dash presentation getting underway at 12:30 p.m.
The $3,500 Preferred Pace hits the track in race 11 with Matticulous GB making his first start back in the Johnson stable with Gilles Barrieau driving for new owners Debbie Element of Village Green, P.E.I., and Matt and David Burke of Stratford, P.E.I. The Great Britain-bred pacer was formerly trained by Johnson in 2020 in Ontario before the horseman made the move to P.E.I. in early 2021. Matticulous GB has since raced in the U.S. with his most recent start a victory at Batavia Downs in New York in 1:55.2. Fellow Johnson trainee Moonwriter has post four in the same race with Keith Ford getting the catch-driving call.
Ys Mathis returns to P.E.I. in the class, leaving from post three for trainer-driver Marc Campbell after a 1:58.2 qualifier last week. Mantario was the Preferred Pace victor on Dec. 4 and has post five on Sunday for driver David Dowling. Also in the field are Screen Test (to be driven by Corey MacPherson) and Navalny (Adam Merner).
The "Post Time Picks" lean on Matticulous GB to get it all: “Matticulous GB is a newcomer to P.E.I. but looks to have the speed to go with the big boys. We’re wagering Barrieau will want to boss it from the get-go so if he does clear to the lead, it could seal the deal.”
Sugardaddycontrols makes his first East Coast start in race two for new owner Josh MacDonald of Edmonton, Alta. Mike McGuigan trains and will drive the Control The Moment three-year-old from post four at 5-2 morning line odds in the $2,150 class.
(Red Shores)