After two relaxing weeks at a waterside cottage in Prince Edward Island, trainer René Allard has a hectic weekend ahead.
The 28-year-old trainer will send out two of the favourites in the $60,000 Sobeys Gold Cup & Saucer late Saturday at Red Shores Charlottetown, Crombie A and Sparky Mark, then catch an early flight to Montreal on Sunday in order to get to Hippodrome 3R in time for the $200,000 Prix d’Ete, where he’ll start Big Boy Dreams.
“I know I won’t sleep Saturday (night) because of the Cup & Saucer after-parties. I’ll just get someone to drive me to the airport at 5 a.m.,” said Allard.
Although his 80-horse stable now is based in the U.S., Allard has started horses in the Gold Cup & Saucer every year since 2009, finally winning last year with Bigtown Hero.
“It’s a special event. Once you go, it’s addictive. Not the largest purse, but very prestigious, and a lot of fun. I’ve made friends there over the years. People in PEI can’t do enough for you.”
The Quebec native is hoping to make the revived Prix d’Ete an annual stop as well.
“I bought a horse for the race last year but we didn’t make it. We bought this one (Big Boy Dreams) for that race as well. He’s had a few problems, some bad luck, but he has the talent, and he qualified well last week at Pocono (in 1:50.2). It’s a quality field, but I think we’ll be top three.”
To view the harness racing entries for Saturday evening at the CDP, click the following link: Saturday Entries – Charlottetown Driving Park (Evening Card).
To view the harness racing entries for Sunday at Hippodrome 3R, click the following link: Sunday Entries – Hippodrome 3R.
(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)