Arabica, with Kenny Arsenault in the bike, earned his second straight win since arriving on the East Coast in Saturday night's featured $2,200 Preferred Handicap Pace at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park
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Arsenault and Arabica ($6.70) used the rail to their advantage blasting off the gate to take command of the race. The duo carved out fractions of :28.2, :58.1 and 1:27.3 en route to an impressive victory in 1:56 by two and a quarter lengths. Blue Star Outlaw, who followed from the pocket, finished second for Jason Hughes while Casual Motion and Joey Pineau were third in the nine-horse field.
The five-year-old black gelding by Pro Bono Best is trained by Anthony Stymest for the Hardy Mill Stable of Stratford, P.E.I.
The ownership group of Kevin, Barry and Trevor Doyle of Earnscliffe, P.E.I. along with their trainer Darren Trainor and driver Mike Stevenson, had a big night at the office. The team won with Hutchinson Hanover ($4.30) in the third race then returned to the winner's circle with Johnny J ($6.80) in the sixth.
R ES Sobrina triggered the biggest payout of the night. The filly scored an upset for trainer-driver Todd Walsh in the fifth race igniting a win ticket worth $190.50 and a triactor of $640.40.
Jerry McCabe was named a Fan Club Heart of Harness Racing Ambassador in a special trackside presentation with Standardbred Canada director Kent Oakes and Red Shore's race manager Brett Revington. McCabe was joined by family and friends in the winner's circle.
Drivers honoured three late members of the harness racing community by forming a memorial horse shoe in recognition of David Rose, Louis McIsaac and George Bambrick. The touching ceremony was held after race six.
Prior to the card in Saturday's qualifying session, 2011 Maritime Breeders Futurity champion Malabrigo won her three-year-old qualifying debut in 2:03.4 for trainer-driver Marc Campbell.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.
(With files from Red Shores / Photo courtesy Gail MacDonald)