Returning winner Buckhead Ridge is the 5-2 morning line favourite in this week's $5,000 Open Trot on Thursday evening at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

The capital oval has a 13-dash presentation starting at 6 p.m. (ADT), with the featured trot lining up in race 10.

Marc Campbell drives the six-year-old Nuncio-Tuonela gelding for his son, trainer Landon Campbell, and owner Bradley Doyle of Stratford, P.E.I. An 18-time winner last year, Buckhead Ridge will start from post four in an attempt to repeat in the Open after beating this class last Thursday in 1:55.3.

Flemsteen is the 3-1 second choice from post three with Ken Murphy driving for trainer Jennifer Doyle while Oceanview Nikki has post two for trainer/driver Michael McGuigan. The field also includes Rocket Blast from the rail for trainer/driver Corey MacPherson and Fight Song from post five with Jason Hughes driving for trainer Ashley Gamester.

The "Post Time Picks" sides with Flemsteen in the Open Trot: “Flemsteen has been the most consistent trotter in this Open Trot over the past four starts, with two wins and two seconds. He has the inside advantage over last week's winner, Buckhead Ridge, so I'm betting Kenny puts him on the front and they lead gate to wire.”

JM Sportsfan will look for her first win of the meet in a $4,650 conditioned distaff pace lining up in race 12, fresh off a solid second-place finish. JM Sportsfan is the top choice in the field of seven from post three with Steven Shepherd in the bike for his father, trainer Harold Shepherd. The eight-year-old daughter of Sportswriter-J M Lasstax has been knocking on the door in recent starts including a runner-up finish while race timed in 1:53.3 in her most recent on July 2 and gets the nod over a sharp group of mares this week. Her trainer shares ownership with locals Angus Birt and Maurice McCabe as well as Eva MacPherson of New Glasglow, N.S.

Lady Devine has post six with Ken Murphy driving for trainer Jennifer Doyle. The Heston Blue Chip-Booty Call mare is listed as the 3-1 second choice on the morning line dropping from the Preferred level. Saulsbrook Pika gets rail control with Corey MacPherson in the seat for trainer Ron Matheson and other starters include Starship Beauty (Paul Langille) from post two, CC Rockin Rosie (Adam Merner) from post four, My Happy Place (Gilles Barrieau) from post five and Shoot The Whiskey (Brodie MacPhee) from the outside post seven.

To view Thursday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Thursday Entries - Charlottetown Driving Park.

(With files from Red Shores; photo of Buckhead Ridge winning last year)