Driver Ken Murphy was serious from the start aboard Matticulous GB and went all the way in the opening night top class Saturday (May 6) at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
The Great Britain-born pacer had a powerful start in the outside at post six in the $3,600 Preferred Pace and hustled to the lead with fractions of :28.4, :57.3 and 1:26.2 before fending off a late-charging Middleton Terror in 1:54.3. Third went to Burn Out Hanover.
Debbie Element of Village Green owns Matticulous GB in partnership with Matt and David Burke of Stratford, P.E.I. while Colin Johnson handles the training duties.
Trainer Johnson had a trio of winners on opening night as Miami Seelster won in 1:59.1 in Race 2 and Premier Joy A won Race 4 in 1:56.1.
Rollwithhottytoddy opened the action for the 2023 Summer Meet in Race 1 with a gate-to-wire victory in 1:56.4 for driver Jason Hughes and owner-trainer Trevor Hicken of Montague, P.E.I.
The Jenn Doyle Stable was hot on opening day with a training hat trick for the Earnscliffe operation. Steelmeatreasure won Race 8 in 2:00.3, Elm Grove Mistress was the best in Race 9 in 1:59 and Ladylike romped in 1:56.1 in Race 13.
The upset of the night came in the Race 15 finale with The Fox coming out of the clouds in the stretch drive to win at 17-1 odds in 1:58.3 for trainer Brendan Curran.
The handle for the day was $119,616.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.
(Red Shores)