Grinding first-over for the majority of the mile, Avatar J kicked clear in the stretch to win the $3,100 Preferred Pace Saturday evening (July 17) at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Kenny Arsenault supplied the steer behind the Danny MacDonald trainee as he stopped the clock in 1:54.3 for owners Dean Larkin of Ontario and Jody Sanderson of Cornwall. Mick Dundee came up the passing lane for second while Winter Blast completed the $152.40 triactor. Avatar J paid $2.60 to win.
Driver Ken Murphy was the big winner of the evening with four trips to the historic winner’s circle. Murphy started the action off in Race 1 aboard Promise Me Art (1:57.3) for trainer Garth Cole, then won with Woodmere Fenn (1:58.1) in Race 4 from the Ron Matheson stable followed by wins with Tempo Seelster (1:58.1) for trainer Gary Poulton and the Trevor Hicken trained Pillage And Burn (1:57.4).
The evening card also had a driving triple for David Dowling with Taladega Seelster (1:56.1), Silverhill Buddy (1:57.2) and Creepin (1:54.4).
The night saw a harness racing rarity with Silverhill Buddy winning Race 8 and his full-brother Silverilllightnin victorious in Race 3 in 1:58.1.
(Red Shores)
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.