Deep Finesse Extends Streak In Island Breeders
Six Island Breeders Finals highlighted Charlottetown Driving Park's Super Saturday afternoon card with all eyes on pacing sensation Deep Finesse.
In the $13,000 two-year-old pacing colt final, Deep Finesse notched his 14th consecutive victory for trainer, driver and owner Phil Pinkney.
The son of Western Paradise was sent straight to the lead from Post 8, setting the tempo with a :28.3 first quarter. Ultimate Blessing (Todd Trites) applied first-over pressure to the half in :59, but Deep Finesse battled back as the field approached the third quarter pole in 1:29.3.
Meanwhile, Porthill Gatsby (Danny Romo) angled three-wide from second-over to take his shot at the pacesetter, but Deep Finesse pushed on, reaching the wire in 1:58.4.
Porthill Gatsby finished three-quarters of a length back in second and Woodmere Fastball (Allan Earl Smith) was third.
The bay colt now sports a record of 15-1-0 in 18 outings with $85,623 in earnings.
In the two-year-old fillies pacing final, Darko prevailed with a powerful 1:59 effort.
With Ken Arsenault in the bike, the daughter of Largo cleared the lead after the opening panel of :28.2 and carved out the following fractions of :58.1 and 1:29 before pulling away by four lengths for the win.
Tammys Little Star (Jason Hughes) rode the pocket to finish second and Shadow Dancer (Paul MacDonald) was third.
The Maritime Breeders Futurity winner, who is owned and trained by Ralph Annear improved her record to 6-1-1 in 11 starts and lifted her bankroll to $51,413.
In the sophomore pacing colts division, Plea Bargain dominated the field with an eight and three-quarter lengths victory in 1:57 with trainer Gilles Barrieau in the bike.
Absolom (Phil Pinkney) came on for second and Ricarras Sun (Brian MacPhee) was third.
The Quick Comeback gelding, who is owned by Michael Blanchard of New Glasgow, N.S., and Barry Blanchard of Kars, N.B., scored his ninth lifetime win and boosted his bankroll to $50,387.
In the three-year-old pacing division for fillies, driver Todd Trites tipped out from third with the Lady Slipper Stake winner, Tobins Paradise, at the half and advanced to the lead ahead of Woodmere Camilla (Gilles Barrieau). The Sifroi Melanson pupil captured her 11th lifetime win in 1:59.1 ahead of Whatagirl (Harold Shepherd) and Emily J Down (Danny Romo).
The Western Paradise filly, who has earned $74,567 in purses, is owned by the Ultimate Stable of Dieppe, N.B.
In the $8,000 three-year-old trotting division, Saulsbrook Balance, extended his win streak to four giving Arsenault a pair of wins on the card.
After a :29.2 first quarter posted by Rustico Trisox (Joey Pineau), Saulsbrook Balance followed the cover of Demasiado Tequila (Ivan Jamieson) past the half in 1:00.4. At the third quarter pole in 1:31.3, Saulsbrook Balance made his winning move angling three-wide. With a :31 final effort, the bay reached the wire in 2:02.3.
Demasiado Tequila finished three-quarters of a length back in second and Miss Moe (Danny Romo) rounded out the top three.
In 25 career starts, the son of Nikes Image, who is owned and trained by Russell Newman, has put together an impressive record of 16 wins, five seconds and two thirds with $52,582 earnings.
In the two-year-old trotting split, Maritime Breeders Futurity winner Grayland Bling prevailed with a fabulous six length score for trainer/driver Danny Romo.
The son of Black River found the front after the first quarter station and pulled away from the pack to win in 2:06.2.
Windmere Power (Gilles Barrieau) was second and Dunmore Chip (Edward Smallwood) recovered from an early miscue to finish third.
Grayland Bling picked up his fourth win in 11 starts and increased his bankroll to $22,991 for owner Paul Gray of Pugwash, N.S.
To view Saturday's results, click here.