It was a race decided in the final strides but Rose Run Quest found enough ground to overcome Euchred for a nose decision in the Cecil Lander Memorial Invitational at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Marc Campbell was in the driver’s seat behind Rose Run Quest for the 11-1 upset victory in the $5,000 Cecil Ladner Memorial Invitational stopping the clock in 1:54.2 over Euchred (Driven by Adam Merner) and Czar Seelster (Todd Weatherbee).
The early tempo was set by Mr Irresistible (Jason Hughes) with opening front end fractions of :27.2 and :55.4 while fighting off a first-over challenge from Cartoon Daddy (Corey MacPherson). Euchred then circled up to engage Mr Irresistible at the three-quarters of 1:25.1 while eventual race winner Rose Run Quest was riding the pylons advancing from seventh. Euchred claimed the deep stretch lead but Campbell used the passing lane to his advantage for the narrow score in 1:54.2.
Campbell trains Rose Run Quest for owner Blair Hansen of Charlottetown.
Campbell had three winners on the program also winning the $2,600 Jr. Invitational with Keep Coming in 1:55.1 for trainer Brian Andrew of Milton and Elm Grove Kaboom from his own stable in 1:56.1.
Sodwana Bay remains undefeated on the East Coast after winning the $2,350 Fillies and Mares Open pace on the Saturday program with a mile time of 1:56.2. Gilles Barrieau trains and drives the pacing mare for owners Wayne MacRae of Fall River, N.S., and Howmac Farms Ltd., of North Wiltshire. Ramblinglily (Gary Chappell) finished second with West River Ambyr (Steven Shepherd) completed the Triactor.
(CDP)