Big League, with Kenny Arsenault in the bike, won the Preferred Pace for the second week in a row Saturday at Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
The time of the mile was 2:01.1 over a track rated as good with a two second variant due to rain.
Arsenault, who recorded a driving double on the program as he celebrated his birthday, put the Jonah Moase-owned pacer on the point from post eight through a stiff opening quarter of :28-seconds flat. Once on top, Big League waited for challenges from the backfield with the half posted in :59.4 and the three-quarters reached in 1:32.1. Carnivore enjoyed the pocket ride for Gary Chappell, but faded to third in the stretch after Balanchine, with Brodie MacPhee driving, unleashed a powerful stretch drive to finish second. Balanchine was sitting fifth at the top of the lane.
The 8-7-6 triactor paid $117.90. The 8-7 Exactor was $45.50 while the 8-7-6-4 Superfecta returned $99.40. Big League is trained by Steve Wotton.
Diamond Mine was able to chase down JK Queen to capture the trot division in 2:02. Willie Murphy did the driving for owner Boyd Leslie of Crapaud and trainer Cindy MacDonald of Montague.
There were some surprises on the program after longshot Donna Conda scored in the opener for driver Mike McGuigan, triggering a $47.30 win ticket. Rymar Sporty also reward his backers paying $40.10 on the nose after a 2:00.1 upset in the eighth race for driver Kenny Murphy and trainer Eric Doucette of South Rustico.
Brief Bliss, owned by John and Stephen Quinn of Charlottetown, recorded his second win in a row after four length 2:00 victory for driver Stephen Quinn.
Arsenault, Terry Gallant, Gary Chappell and Marc Campbell had driving doubles on the program.
The live wager was $24,871.
The racetrack will be closed Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, for grading. Racing returns Thursday. Post time is 7 p.m.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.
(Red Shores)