Sir Pugsley avoided near disaster when he dodged an early breaker and went on to capture Trial #2 for this year’s Guardian Gold Cup & Saucer during Monday evening’s program at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
In rein to Jason Hughes, Sir Pugsley got away fifth in the early going, but as the field entered the backstretch he was nearly wiped out by a breaking Dreamfair BJ. Hughes manoeuvred around that breaker and mapped out a ground-saving trip for his charge.
Heavily favoured Rock Diamonds shot to the front from the rail, and he was pestered by the parked out Brave World through first-half fractions of :26.4 and :55.1. Brave World threw in the towel in the backstretch, and Rock Diamonds proceeded to lead the field to the three-quarter pole in 1:24.4. He couldn’t seal the deal, however, as Sir Pugsley rallied off the rail at the head of the land and used a :27.2 closing panel to win by a neck over Rock Diamonds in 1:52.4. Bet On Brett, who enjoyed a pocket trip throughout the mile, finished third. Fourth prize was doled out to Lisburn.
Patrick Shepherd trains the five-year-old son of American Ideal-Q And A for owner Robert Woodburn of St. Thomas, Ont. It was a winning debut for the new connections, who watched the pacer improve his 2019 record to 4-5-2 from 19 trips to the track. The 21-time winner, who was sent off at odds of 15-1, is closing in on $300,000 in career earnings.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Charlottetown Driving Park.