Four divisions of the Joe O’Brien Stakes for two-year-old pacing colts will take centre stage on a rare Friday night at the Summerside Raceway
. First-race post time for the action-packed card is 7:00 p.m.
Mr Salming lands on the rail in the first Gold division for catch-driver Gary Chappell. The colt, co-owned by Boyd MacDonald and Dan Ross, should be solid force in the $10,200 level, but has to contend against such rivals as Island Redemption, who has won his last two for driver Gilles Barrieau and Ringmaster. Ringmaster, leaving from Post 2, is expected to provide early gate speed. This horse shows opening panels in :28.3 seconds. Paul Morrison has taken over the training duties. Fitelle, owned by Peter Lanigan, Montague, Comebacks Sir Tax from the Garth Cole stable and Student Loan, trained by Ken Wilkie, will be looking for the trip and a major share of the purse.
Dr Alexander B is the morning line favourite in the other O’Brien gold division. Trainer Paul Doyle has the services of Shane Bernard for the event. This duo has surpassed the $17,000 mark in the 2009 campaign. They can expect pressure from Going Large. The colt, owned by the Kickin Horse Stable, won his last start in 2:00.3 with a closer of :29.4 over Northside Downs in Sydney. Darren Crowe is in town to drive.
Sea Danny Win, owned by Tim Banks, is the morning line favourite in the O’Brien grassroots division. He’ll be fighting off challenges from Busters Brother, trained by Terry Affleck, along with Langley Road and Len McGuigan. Magical Alex, in line to Todd Trites, could also hit the ticket.
Woodmere Fools Son is getting some serious attention in the other grassroots split for driver Terry Gallant, trainer Troy Deroches and owner Eric Johnson, Summerside. Tellyounolie might also provide a challenge. The colt, owned by Maurice Coady, Steven MacDonald and Willie MacInnis, has the most money made in the field and has a third-place finish and a win in his last two starts.
Patrons can qualify for a new car in the Mystery Keys promotion with the Pay 4, Super Pack and Pick 6 wagering cards.
To view Friday's harness racing entries at Summerside, click here.
(With files from Harness Racing PEI)