Backclass reigned supreme in the Saturday night (May 14) Preferred Pace at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park as Rose Run Quest stomped his rivals.
The two-time Gold Cup and Saucer finalist took advantage of an early speed duel in the $3,300 feature as he pocket-rode his way to victory in 1:56.1 in line to Adam Merner. Last week’s Preferred winner Mikey Camden left hard off the gate from post 8 but was unable to secure the lead as Burn Out Hanover gave him the cold shoulder and guarded the cones. Burn Out Hanover protected the pylons through fractions of :27.4 and :55.4 before putting Mikey Camden away at the three-quarters of 1:26.2. Burn Out Hanover still controlled the front as the field turned for home, but Rose Run Quest used a quick burst up the passing lane to prevail by three-lengths in 1:56.1. Burn Out Hanover was second with My Land (Brodie MacPhee) finishing third for the $940 triactor ticket.
Melissa Rennie trains Rose Run Quest for owners Blair and Carl Hansen of Charlottetown and Isaac Schurman of Kensington as the 10-year-old son of If I Can Dream remains undefeated in his new stable.
Merner had two other victories on the program with the Rennie-trained Woodmere Rollily (1:58.3) and Neptune Seelster (1:59.3) for a maiden breaking score from the Michael Gallant barn.
Newcomer Blue Monk was a winner in the final dash of the evening for his first East Coast victory for trainer Jay Noye and owners Mary Jean Noye of Clyde River and Denise Andrew of Alberta. Corey MacPherson supplied the 1:59.1 winning steer in the $2,500 class.
Live racing continues next Thursday (May 19) and Saturday (May 21) evenings at 6:30 at Red Shores Charlottetown.
(Red Shores)
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.