For today's episode of Trot Radio we travel to the Maritimes and talk to Lee Drake and Vance Cameron for a preview of Charlottetown Driving Park's
season.
Trot Radio host Norm Borg talks shop with Cameron and Drake as the East Coast mecca of harness racing looks ahead to the 50th edition of the Gold Cup & Saucer.
Episode 18 - Charlottetown Driving Park Season Preview
Running Time: 16:23
Audio Format: MP3 audio
Host: Norm Borg
Guests:
- Lee Drake, Director of Marketing and Media Relations, Harness Racing PEI
- Vance Cameron, track announcer for Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre
The first weekend in May will feature a number of events Saturday at the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre including a full 12 dash live racing card, the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby and a special work-out mile from World-Champion Shadow Play between races 5 and 6. The workout mile depends on weather and track conditions. First race post time is 1pm.
The afternoon feature has an all-star line-up including Victory Creed and driver Brian Andrew. Bill Andrew of Calgary owns the four-year-old who rewarded his backers $27.80 after winning last week’s top class in 1:56.3. But it won’t be easy as rain will change track conditions and even the field.
Royal Millennium has been entered after arriving from the Ontario circuit. The newcomer has moved into the Jason Hughes stable for owners Nancy Brown, Bowmanville, Ontario, Jackson Wittup, Calgary, Paul Pryne, Brampton, Ontario, and Robert Lindsay, Oshawa, Ontario. Hughes will drive Royal Millennium from post 5 while stablemate Whos Smiling Now drew the rail for catch driver Mark MacKinnon. Sounding with Ron Matheson and Now Whos Laughing with Vince Poulton complete the inside line up on the gate. Porthill Alf, owned by Marvyn Webster, Tyne Valley gets post 6 for driver Michael Stevenson. Negrito, who put in a strong performance on opening day, completes the field.
Les MacIsaac, race analyst for Harness Racing PEI, is going with Negrito as his top choice. “He did all the work last week and it looked like he was home free but he just got nailed late,” said the host of the Racing Tips. “It was still a good performance this early in the year and it should act as a good tightener if nothing else. We'll give him a slight edge but from out here the trip will be key.” Gary Chappell will drive Negrito who has a strong fan base from the Kensington area.