The ‘Doctor’ was on call Saturday evening in the Preferred pace at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Doctor Royal was sent off as the heavy post time favourite in the race 12 top event for a $2,900 purse as the Mainland invader was on top at every call to win in 1:56.1.
Gilles Barrieau left off the gate with the Dawn Ellis Abbott owned and trained pacer fresh off a 1:55 win in the top event at the horse’s home oval of Truro Raceway in Nova Scotia. Hes Marvalous (Driven by Myless Heffernan) applied some early pressure to Doctor Royal in the Saturday evening preferred as he stretched him to the quarter in :27.4. Doctor Royal then made front and cruised at every station to win by six lengths in 1:56.1 over Mick Dundee (Don MacNeill) and Hes Marvalous.
Barrieau was in town for the opening program of the Summer racing season and won three dashes on the card in total including a pair for trainer Ellis Abbott. The pair also teamed up to win with Nomatterwhen in 2:00 in a $2,100 fillies and mares pace, while Barrieau’s other victory was with newcomer ER Quinn in 1:57.2 for trainer Jeff Holmes and new owners Orwell Bay Stable of Orwell.
Soccer Hanover tied for the fastest trip of the night as he closed out the 13-dash program with a 1:56.1 victory for driver Corey MacPherson and owner Leith Waite of Summerside.
Live racing continues next Saturday with a 6 p.m. post time.
(CDP)
To view results for Saturday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Saturday Results – Charlottetown Driving Park.