Trainer-driver Austin Sorrie took the lead with In Spades passing the quarter and maintained control, advancing to a 1:53.1 victory in the $2,500 Preferred 1 Pace at Charlottetown Driving Park on Saturday, June 30.
Passing the quarter in :27.2, In Spades took the lead from Rose Run Quest and remained unpressured through a :55.3 half. Race-favourite Euchred, moving first over at the half, drew within a length of the lead at three-quarters in 1:24.4 before faltering the stretch as In Spades hit the line one-and-one-quarter lengths in front of Rose Run Quest finishing second. Czar Seelster, from third over and last, grabbed third.
A four-year-old gelding by Bettors Delight out of the Astreos mare Cinny Fever, In Spades competes for owner Walter Simmons. The $5.80 winner collected his sixth victory in 22 starts this year and his 11th in 46 overall, earning $108,652.
Sodwana Bay, sent the odds-on public choice, blew away her competition in the $2,350 Fillies and Mares Open Pace, winning by five lengths in 1:55.1.
The five-year-old mare by No Pan Intended sat fourth as West River Ambyr posted fractions of :28.1 and :57.2 on the lead. Rushing to the front into the backstretch, Sodwana Bay opened two lengths on West River Ambyr in 1:26.3 and expanded that margin through the lane. Ramblinlily, pulling first over rounding the final turn, took second from West River Ambyr in third.
Owned by Wayne Mac Rae and Howmac Farms Ltd., Sodwana Bay, trained and driven by Gilles Barrieau, won her fourth race in 23 starts this year and her 10th in 61 overall, earning $112,760. She paid $3.00 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results – Charlottetown Driving Park.