A blistering first impression sets the stage for a tougher test as One Eight Hundred headlines the Preferred Pace on Saturday, May 17 at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
The 13-dash program gets underway at 6 p.m. (ADT) with the Preferred class drawing in as Race 12, carrying a $5,000 purse and attracting a quality field of six top-class pacers.
One Eight Hundred turned heads in his local debut two weeks ago with a commanding 1:53.4 victory against this very group, pacing away from his rivals at the finish. The seven-year-old Somebeachsomewhere stallion was making his first Island start of 2025 for trainer Ellen Stevenson and owner Dr. Mitchell Downey, as he now looks to repeat that performance. Mike Downey will pick up the lines again from post six.
Saturday’s challenge will be stiffer, with several rivals stepping up their game to test the mainland invader.
Wind Blown lands in post five with fresh Ontario experience. Trained by Phil Sizer, the Mach Three gelding won his latest in 1:51.1 at Woodbine Mohawk Park and has shown he can be effective both on the front and from off the pace. Paul Langille picks up the catch-driving duties.
Twin B Tuffenuff comes into this contest off a narrow win in his season opener. The Rock N Roll Heaven stallion fought off a late charge in a 1:55.4 score last week, and trainer Ron Matheson will look to keep the momentum rolling with Gilles Barrieau back aboard from post four.
Blood Money, also trained by Matheson, has post three and will be out for revenge after finishing second to One Eight Hundred in their last meeting. The son of Sweet Lou will have owner Dr. Mitchell Downey in the race bike for Saturday’s tilt.
Tradition gets post two with Adam Merner driving the Gordie Hennessey trainee after picking up cheques at this level in each of his first two starts of the new 2025 meet.
Rounding out the group is the rail-sitter Tony Too Tall, with driver Myles Heffernan Jr. looking for the first win of his career. The rookie will drive the Trevor Hicken trainee for his second start of the new meet.
The Post Time Picks is sticking with Gold Cup and Saucer runner-up Twin B Tuffenuff.
“Twin B Tuffenuff was a winner in his 2025 debut, but the field was closing in on him at the finish. This group is full of talent, so he'll have to be a lot better this week. I'm betting he answers the bell.”
To view Saturday's entries, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Red Shores Charlottetown.
(Red Shores)