Mantario and driver Jason Hughes worked out a perfect trip to hit the wire first in the Sunday (Dec. 18) afternoon featured pace at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
The betting favourite, Blood Money (driven by Marc Campbell), was first to the lead in the $3,500 Preferred Pace from post five and laid down splits of :28.2, :57.1 and 1:26.4. Mantario protected the pylons at the start to sit fresh in the two-hole and used his pop down the stretch for a half-length victory in 1:56.1. Blood Money was second ahead of Burn Out Hanover (Brady Sweet) to complete a $229 triactor ticket.
The win was number 27 lifetime for Mantario and boosted his seasonal earnings to more than $25,000 for his 10th win of 2022. Jennifer Doyle co-owns and trains the son of Sportswriter with co-owner Danny Birt of Earncliffe, P.E.I.
Stash It Away was the best in the $3,300 Preferred 2 Pace in 1:56.3 for the tandem of driver Gilles Barrieau and trainer Kevin MacLean. The three-year-old son of Pang Shui defeated Mr Rielly (Corey MacPherson) and Sauble Attack (Dale Spence). Reg MacPherson of Stratford, P.E.I. owns the winning pacer.
JK Last Chance was the fastest winner of the day in race three as the five-year-old son of So Surreal stopped the clock in 1:55.4 for trainer-driver Kenny Arsenault and owner Daniel MacIsaac of Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Live racing continues Dec. 26 with a Boxing Day program kicking off at 12:30 p.m. at Red Shores Charlottetown.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.
(Red Shores)