The first elimination for the 44th edition of the Governor's Plate for Invitational pacers kicked off Lobster Carnival Week racing on Sunday afternoon at Summerside Raceway with Maritimer pulling off an upset in deep stretch.
With the inside post advantage, favourite Firethorn and trainer-driver John MacDonald established the lead ahead of two-time Governor's Plate champion Outlawpositivcharg, with trainer-driver Terry Gallant aboard, and the John Holmes-driven Carnivore during a :27-second opening quarter.
As Firethorn took a second quarter breather, the backfield began to move with Aled Hanover and Alex Sobey coming three-wide and crossing into the first over spot with Maritimer and Kenny Arsenault on their back.
Aled Hanover moved up alongside the pacesetter past the :57.2 half-mile mark and continued to apply pressure to the 1:25.4 third quarter station. Firethorn eventually turned back that foe, but couldn't hold off the late charge from Maritimer, who swept by in the final strides for a 1:56 career-best victory by a neck. Firethorn held on for second while Carnivore slipped up the pylons to grab third over Outlawpositivcharg.
Maritimer paid $47 to win for the 22-1 upset. The four-year-old Full Scholarship gelding, who recently moved into the barn of William Turner, is owned by Barbara Pearl of Hants Co, N.S. He has won four times in 13 starts this year. Lifetime, the 2011 Island Breeders Championship winner has made 15 trips to the winner's circle while banking just over $50,000 in purses.
Arsenault will be vying for his second consecutive Governor's Plate trophy as he won the 2011 edition with Serious Damage.
The remaining two eliminations will be contested on Monday night at Summerside. The top three finishers from each elimination race will advance to next Saturday’s $20,000 final.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Summerside Raceway.