The 2012 edition of the Governor’s Plate begins this weekend at Red Shores Summerside with Sunday afternoon featuring the first elimination. Post time is 1 p.m.

The road to the 44th edition of the Governor’s Plate will one of the best in history with three eliminations starring the top racing athletes taking place. The top three finishers from each of the elims will advance to next Saturday’s $20,000 final.

Firethorn, the second-place finisher from last year’s Gold Cup, ships in from Ottawa for driver John MacDonald. The Plate could be added to this pacer’s resume after drawing the rail in the seven-horse field.

Outlawpositivcharg, with Terry Gallant in the bike, will attempt to qualify for Prince County’s signature event for the fifth year in-a-row. The two-time winner leaves from post two while Aled Hanover, listed at second choice on the morning line at 3-1, has to maneuver from Post 6 for driver Alex Sobey. The Ron Hall-owned pacer has back-to-back wins in the 1:55 range.

The field also includes Maritimer (Kenny Arsenault), Ultimate Success (Gary Chappell) and Every Day (Brian Andrew).

The stage is set Monday night for two Plate Eliminations in Races 9 and 11.

Jepson Hanover is listed as the favourite by race analyst Jared Stretch. Owner Paul Gray of Pugwash, NS has taken the pacing star back to the Maritimes to compete in the invitational ranks. Danny Romo, who recently celebrated his 3,500th career win, has been reunited with the winner of $132,478.

Current track record holder P H Bestman has also been entered for Todd Trites. Oakrock Almighty has the cones for driver Gilles Barrieau. Barrieau was listed as day-to-day after he suffered another spill last weekend at Fredericton Raceway. He is programmed to drive. The line up includes Wellthereyougo, Real Simple, Joseph Michael, Bet the House and Arabica.

Barrieau gets another shot to make it to the final in the third elimination when he drives Mcapulco, a new purchase from Patrick Morris of Charlottetown. The seven-year-old horse smashed the track record at Fredericton on Monday touring the historic oval in 1:54.2 erasing the record that stood since 1993 by Shannon Commander.

The star power continues in the third elimination with Oakmont, War Cry Ranger, Toughest of All, Windemere Express, Epanephrine, Leading Camdidate and All Turain.

Saturday features an exciting 12-dash card at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park. Post time is 7 p.m.

For complete coverage on the Countdown to the Governor’s Plate go to www.journalpioneer.com or www.redshores.ca.