Three-year-old pacing colt Putnams Storm will be vying to take over the top spot in the Atlantic Sires Stakes standings as the season continues, but the grey gelding has already solidified himself as the No. 1 ranked horse owned by 70-year-old Wes Patriquin.
"He's the kind of horse everyone wants," Patriquin was quoted as saying in an article from the Truro Daily News. "He's kind, he tries hard and he gives it his all. Because he's that way he needs to be at the top [of my list]. He may not be quite as fast as others, but the others didn't have attitudes that were quite as good.
"He's very easy on himself. He doesn't abuse himself in the paddock or when you're jogging or warming him up. But when he goes behind the gate he knows why he's there and he puts his heart and soul into it. He just saves his energy for the race."
Putnams Storm will start from post four in the first of two 'A' divisions at Truro Raceway on Saturday afternoon and attempt to provide the season's point leader, Junebugs Baby, who will start from post two, with his first taste of defeat in the ATSS program this year. The son of Force Of Life is conditioned by new trainer Michelle MacKay and will be driven by Todd Trites. He ranks third in the ATSS standings behind Mr Thompson, who will start from post five in the other division.
Putnams Storm won his first ATSS event of the season on May 27 at Inverness Raceway, followed by a pair of close second-place finishes at Fredericton Raceway and Northside Downs in early July. He was fifth in his latest on July 14 at Summerside Raceway.
"I think he's raced really well," said Patriquin. "It's a very good group of three-year-olds this year. It's tough going, but what he lacks in size he makes up for with heart."
To view Saturday's harness racing entries, click on the following link: Saturday Entries - Truro Raceway.
(With files from the Truro Daily News)