It’s a weekend full of speed, excitement and pressure, as the fields are set for two big race events at Red Shores Charlottetown on Saturday and Red Shores Summerside on Sunday
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Two newcomers will move up to take on the big boys in the 11th race feature in Charlottetown on Saturday night. Super Shot, who has toured ovals in Ottawa, Truro and Summerside, will make his debut from the rail for owner Hugh Nelson of Hopewell Cape, N.B. and driver Shawn MacLennan. The five year-old gelding will leave along side Manraysonjo, who also makes his first start on the Island, for driver Mark Bradley.
Riccaras Sun is the early favorite from post 4. The Trevor Hicken trainee has nine top three finishes out of 11 starts this season. Owner Ken MacInnis has the services of Gary Chappell. Blue Star Outlaw owned by Don MacRae of Vernon Bridge, CL Eighty, McHales Gravy and Beechwood Tiger complete the field.
On Sunday the action shifts to Red Shores Summerside for Lobster Carnival Week racing, featuring two Governor’s Plate eliminations for a purse of $5,000 each, as the region's best will square off for chance to compete in 'Plate 43' next Saturday night.
As Tuff As Nails and driver Marc Whebby have drawn the rail in the first elimination. The Wayne Whebby-owned pacer handed Jepson Hanover (who will start from Post 2) his first defeat of the season since arriving in the Maritimes when he edged out the three-year-old Art Major gelding in Truro last week. The field is full of talent, including former Governor’s Plate winner Outlawpositivcharg, Sombrero Blue Chip, Oakrock Almighty and Fredericton’s track record holder Formal Affair from Post 5. Gold Cup finalist Proven Lover is back for the 2011 season, while Bet The House has to work out a trip from Post 8.
The second elimination will be headlined by newcomer Cat Four. Owner David MacDonald of Halifax, NS purchased Cat Four, a lifetime winner of $161,069, for the Maritime circuit. Darren Crowe has the driving assignment from Post 8. The line-up also includes Joseph Michael, winner of Cecil Ladner Memorial final, Oakmont, Serious Damage, who toured Fredericton last week in an impressive 1:55.1, and Ultimate Success and Putnams Force, who are familiar with the Island racing surfaces. One False Move and Thistricksforyou will make their Island debut as well.
First-race post times for both dates will be 6:00 p.m.
(Red Shores)
To view the entries for each program of racing, click the corresponding links which are listed below.
• Red Shores Charlottetown (Saturday, July 9)
• Red Shores Summerside (Sunday, July 10)