After an early speed duel forced Star Photo into the three-hole, Freddie capitalized on the situation on his way to victory in the featured Open Trot Thursday evening at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
The $2,300 top event saw Freddie get away fifth in line to Marc Campbell while Star Photo left out on pacesetter Suicide Shift (Steven Shepherd) but was unable to clear to the lead. Driver Jason Hughes then angled Star Photo to the pylons in third and Freddie began his advance from fifth. The fractions were set in :29.2, :59.2 and 1:30.2 over a track rated two seconds off before Freddie moved three-wide and fought back Majian Tango (Jim Ripley) in the stretch to prevail in 2:00.4. Star Photo had to settle for third this week after winning his first two Open trot events since coming to P.E.I., then finishing second to Freddie last week.
The Thursday evening win by Freddie puts the ledger at two wins each between the two top trotters in their four meetings. Freddie is owned by Three Wisemen Stable of Kingston.
The $2,300 top pace of the evening was claimed by Innocent Kiss with a neck decision in 1:59.2 for driver and co-owner Adam Merner, trainer Melissa Rennie and co-owner Max Sehl of Port Morien, NS.
The win was one of two on the evening for Rennie who also had trainee Miss Sangria score in 2:00.3 with Merner in the bike for owner Alex MacPhee of Clyde River.
Driver Dale Spence recorded a driving triple on the program as he clicked with Bettim Vicky in 2:01.1, Paythelinebluechip in 2:00.2 and Kant Katch Kaiden in 2:02.3.
(CDP)
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Charlottetown Driving Park.