Veteran pacer Balanchine celebrated a special career milestone and completed a training triple for Jackie Matheson as he edged out the pacesetting Nobestbfor in the featured Saturday finale at Charlottetown Driving Park.
Nobestbfor and Walter Cheverie carved out fractions of :27.4, :58.2 and 1:28.1 while Balanchine survived an overland journey from post seven to prevail by a neck in 1:57.2 in the $2,550 Preferred 2 / Mares Open. Favourite Veronicavermillion and Brian MacPhee edged out Brodys Leona and Corey MacPherson one and three-quarter lengths behind in third.
The 9-2 third choice in the wagering, Balanchine paid $11.70 to win.
Ron Matheson drove the nine-year-old Blissfull Hall gelding for owners Mike Pollard of Stratford, P.E.I. and Joey Gallant of Charlottetown. The win was his fourth in 17 seasonal starts and 50th lifetime, pushing his bankroll to $762,331.
Team Matheson opened the card with Highland Dancer ($3.10) romping to a six length score and also picked up a win in the third race with Woodmere Glamorous ($17.30) in another close race.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.