St Pete Star gave Gilles Barrieau his fourth career victory in the Robert McCain Memorial Invitational Pace on Friday night at Woodstock, N.B.
He also gave Barrieau his fourth winner on an 11-dash card of harness racing by pacing a mile in 1:56.1, over a track that had been slowed by between 2-3 seconds with heavy rain throughout the evening.
St Pete Star could be on his way to Charlottetown's Gold Cup and Saucer trials, after holding off a determined charge by fan favourite, Abby Best (Todd Trites), in the $10,00 feature. The first mare ever to race in the McCain, Abby Best was a strong second, finishing ahead of Walter Dale Memorial winner, All Star Dragon (Stephen Trites).
St Star Pete is trained by Danny Romo for Pual Gray of Pugwash, N.S. The win was his fifth in 23 outings this year lifting his earnings to nearly $30,000. The five-year-old son of Life Sign-Dragon Temper scored his 19th career win bumping his total bankroll to $271,981.
The $3,500 Willard Kitchen Memorial Junior Invitational went to Smart Barney, also for Barrieau, in 1:59.2. He defeated Igoddago (Mike Campbell), who survived an objection to finish second. Beautys Spur (Mike Stevenson) was tested many times during the mile and finished a strong third.
Wade Sorrie trains Smart Barney, who scored his third win in 21 starts this season and pushed his earnings to over $18,000, for owner Walter Simmons of Summerside, P.E.I. The five-year-old son of Real Desire-Mannart New Wave has won 16 races lifetime and boasts $119,473 in purse earnings.
Barrieau's other winners were Elm Grove Bandit in 2:01 and Eyes On You in 2:04.
Racing resumes in Fredericton Thursday evening at 7 p.m.
Please be advised that harness racing results on the SC website from Woodstock will be delayed until tomorrow.
(With files from HRNB)