Officials with Red Shores have sent out a preview of this weekend’s cards of racing at the Charlottetown Driving Park and Summerside Raceway.
Big League Favoured in Charles MacDonald Memorial; Fall Race Meet Underway
The fall race schedule is officially underway at Red Shores’ Charlottetown Driving Park, as harness racing moves to Saturday afternoon. First-race post time is 1:00 p.m.
Big League has been established as the morning-line favourite in the afternoon featured 12th race from Post 6. Marc Campbell will drive the pacer for trainer-owner Jonah Moase of Cornwall. The victory would be sweet for Campbell with the race named in honour of his grandfather, Charles MacDonald of Orwell. The gelding was roughed up early in his last start but has been posting some impressive miles in the 2013 campaign with 11 wins from 22 starts including a track-record performance at Exhibition Park Raceway.
The field is deep with talent. Touch of Lightning (to be driven by Earl Smith) is posed to strike from Post 7 while Narrgansett, a fast closer, has drawn inside for Jason Hughes. Nobestbfor steps up after his 1:56.3 score and lands on the pylons for owner-driver Walter Cheverie. Leading Camdidate, Machinthesand and Balanchine are all capable of taking top honours in the $2,400 event.
The card will also showcase the Louis McIsaac memorial claiming series presented by Meridian Farms. The series highlighted a for the fans promotion that continues prior to the horses being called to the gate in race 11. Brand of My Own, a three-year-old colt by Brandons Cowboy gets top call from race secretary Gerard Smith and race analyst Les MacIsaac. The Thane Mann trainee was sent away as the post time favourites in each leg of the division. Terry Gallant will do the driving for owners Glenda Chappell and Albert Gamble of North Granville. The $5,900 final has Rash B Havior, Whosurwinner, Summerville Deb, Vengance, Charlottes Ace, Evalina, Showhall and Modern Girl.
In other action, Zip the Lip will attempt his third win in a row when he competes in the Open Trot while Dirt Track Momma (Campbell) will try to extend their streak. Campbell has a number of live drives on the program.
To view the harness racing entries for Saturday at the CDP, click the following link: Saturday Entries – Charlottetown Driving Park.
Fields Set for David Rose Memorial Consolation and Final at Summerside
Red Shores Summerside will host the David Rose Memorial consolation and final, presented by Meridian Farms, during a 12-dash race program Sunday. First-race post time is 1:00 p.m.
Micrometerjack and driver Corey MacPherson go into the Rose final as the top choice after posting back-to-back winning performances. Trained by Gerald Dunn for owner Brian Foley of Charlottetown, Micrometerjack will start from Post 4 in the $6,400 event. Outside the Wire (Mike Stevenson) will have to maneuver from the back tier, but could be well spotted when the wings fold if Life Savior (Jason Hughes) or Casimr Luciano (Vaughn Doyle) decide to make a sprint to the top. The other finalists include Keystone Nobility, Rebelforce, McDaisy Cutter, Lyndale Royal and Flag of Honor.
The $3,000 consolation will be staged as Race 8. Huronexpress has been established at odds of 5-2. Pierre Luc Roy will do the driving for trainer Mitch Tierney. The combination will be looking for a better result this week after an early miscue took him out of the race in his last start. Last Art On Deck, with catch-driver Ken Murphy, and Gwinning Gwen (Jason Hughes) are also considered triactor candidates.
Lets Trade Ladies has drawn the rail in the $1,000 trot division for trainer Garth Cole. I Aint No Lady, also trained by Cole, will be handled by Brian MacPhee. Saulsbrook Pippa, Berto Coquette, Hopedale Dora, Northern Zoom and Pure at Heart complete the roster.
To view the harness racing entries for Sunday at Summerside, click the following link: Sunday Entries – Summerside Raceway.