Driver Ron Matheson mapped out the trip for Balanchine, sitting sixth early in the race before moving fifth on the outside through the half with a fourth position at the three-quarter pole. The nine-year-old son of Blissful Hall, owned by Mike Pollard of Stratford and Joey Gallant of Charlottetown, tracked down fraction-setter and stablemate McApulco through the stretch to stop the timer in 1:56.4. Jackie Matheson is the trainer.
Blue Star Outlaw, with Jason Hughes in the bike, was second while McApulco and Gilles Barrieau, who laid down fractions of :27.2, :58.2 and 1:28, faded to third. Favourite Touch of Lightning made an early miscue leaving and finished seventh.
Trotter Abundaspin’s winning streak ended at five when Buckling Banbury made an impressive recovery after a break at the start to capture the Open Trot, the Clan MacPhail reunion race, for Corey MacPherson in 2:00.2. MacPherson did the driving for William, Brian and Blake Andrew of Meridan Farms West and Milton Station, P.E.I. and trainer Ron Gass. Tymal Tyme (Willie Murphy) was second with Abundaspin and Harold Shepherd completing the triactor.
The Andrew ownership group also sent out Honeymoonisover to win the other trot class on the program. Brian Andrew guided the mare to a 2:02.4 victory.
Jamantha and driver Don MacNeill won the Eric Parsons Memorial in 1:58.4.
Hughes and Barrieau had a driving doubles on the night.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.
(With files from Red Shores)