Two divisions of the Island Ocean Trot Classic Series went postward Thursday evening at the Charlottetown Driving Park, and favourites dominated the $3,950 affairs.
Daisy River, who was sent off as the 1-5 choice in the first division, was parked past the quarter pole before clearing to the lead for driver Jason Hughes. Once she took command she glided through fractions of :58.4 and 1:29.4 before using a :29-second kicker to win by 5-1/4 lengths over Little Miss Winnie in 1:58.4. Osprey Delta took home the show dough in the five-mare affair.
Bred, owned and trained by William Lanigan, the five-year-old daughter of Nikes Image-Rosey River won for the second time in seven starts this year. The 13-time winner has banked over $55,000 to date.
Hop Up went to the front and didn’t look back in the second division for driver Corey MacPherson. The 2-5 favourite stepped through fractions of :30.3, 1:00.2 and 1:30.4 before using :29.3 closing speed to win by four lengths over Sailor Blue in 2:00.2. Whim Road Gem rounded out the top three finishers.
Keith Campbell owns and trains the six-year-old daughter of Tad The Stud-Hopeful Way who now owns a 2-1-1 record from five starts this season. The 14-time winner surpassed $40,000 in earnings with the win.
A compact, four-horse field faced the gate in this week’s $2,300 Open Trot, and when the dust settled it was Majian Tango coming out on top. Majian Tango and trainer/driver James Ripley led the field through fractions of :29.3, :59 and 1:29.4 before using a :29.3 closing panel to win by two lengths over Glider Man in 1:59.2. Rounding out the Trifecta ticket was Windmeredontuworry.
Marylea Ripley owns the six-year-old son of Tad The Stud-Askmetodance who surpassed $50,000 in lifetime earnings with the victory. It was the first win of the year for the 18-time winner.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Charlottetown Driving Park.