Freddie was the undisputed ringleader of Red Shores’ Open Trot in 2018, but this year tells as a different tale, as Star Photo has yet to taste defeat and will try to continue that success Thursday evening (June 20) at Red Shores’ Charlottetown Driving Park.
The 11-dash program will see its first dash head behind the gate at 6:30 p.m., while the featured $2,400 Open Trot will line up for Race 8.
Star Photo has drawn the outside in the field of six and Jason Hughes will be at the lines for trainer Kevin Gillis. The 10-year-old son of Classic Photo has won both of his Island starts in the top trot since relocating from Ontario in late May. Freddie will finally start inside of Star Photo on Thursday, as he will line up in Post 5 for trainer-driver Marc Campbell and owner Three Wisemen Stable of Kingston.
Race analyst Les MacIsaac thinks the post draw will tell the tale, as he has sided with Freddie to come out on top.
"The newcomer, Star Photo, has gotten the better of Freddie in his first two starts, but Freddie draws inside that one tonight, which could be the deciding factor," MacIsaac said. "Top billing."
The Thursday evening Open Trot will also feature Wedgewood (to be driven by Gary Chappell), Scary Good (Gilles Barrieau), Suicide Shift (Steven Shepherd) and Majian Tango (Jim Ripley).
Race 6 will see Gettin Messi look to extend his win streak to four. The son of Armbro Barrister is prepping for his stakes campaign, which will kick off during Governor’s Plate Week at Red Shores’ Summerside Raceway. The Len McGuigan trainee has been listed as the morning line favourite. Mike McGuigan will be in the bike for owner Jamie Whalen of Avondale.
The $1,500 Kier Jones and Allie Carr Celebration Pace has been programmed as Race 9. Elektra Express has drawn Post 3 fresh off of facing the top pacing mares in eastern Canada on Sunday afternoon. Hughes will be back in the bike for trainer Jennifer Doyle, who co-owns the mare with Danny Birt of Earnescliffe.
For race programs, promotional information and more, head to redshores.ca.
To view the harness racing entries for Thursday at the CDP, click the following link: Thursday Entries – Charlottetown Driving Park.
(Red Shores)