Popular fourteen-year-old Abundaspin, reigning PEISHOA Trotter of the Year, returned to the winner's circle for the 74th time in his career on Saturday evening as live harness racing resumed at Charlottetown Driving Park.
Abundaspin ($4.80) turned back first over challenger Caliban Hanover past the three-quarters mark in the meet's first $1,550 Open Handicap Trot and held off the late-closers for the half-length victory in 2:02. Honeymoonisover was second while Buckling Banbury edged out Caliban Hanover and Pleasure Girls for third-place honours.
Harold Shepherd trains and drives the Abundance gelding, who is now three-for-five in Charlottetown's Open class this year, for Mikaela Lustic of Cornwall, P.E.I.
The $2,000 top pacing class was won by Miracle Matts ($6.30), also in wire-to-wire fashion.
The five-year-old Royal Mattjesty gelding prevailed by half a length over pocket-pulling Temple Seelster, the even-money favourite, in 1:58.4 with Cambest Kisser coming on for third. Corey MacPherson drove the 2-1 second choice for Cornwall conditioner Blois MacPhail, who also owns the 20-time career winner.
Miracle Matts was a winner in his last two starts in the same class at Charlottetown in February before shipping to Ontario to race at Woodbine during the winter break. Making his return to victory lane on Saturday, the pacer now has four wins in 11 starts this year.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.