Proven Lover was a romping winner in his Cecil Ladner Memorial Pacing series elimination last week and will look for a repeat in Saturday’s $8,000 final at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Proven Lover had Terry Gallant at the lines in his elimination as he won in 1:53.1, but Gallant selected Outlawpositivcharg so John Holmes will steer the Thane Mann trainee in Race 13. Casey Gavin of Tignish owns the Real Desire stallion.
The other elimination winner, Touch Of Lightning, trained and driven by Earl Smith has drawn Post 8 for owners Peter and Don Smith, Gerald Morrissey and Larry Chappell.
Lee Drake, Manager of Marketing and Sales for Red Shores, says series like the Cecil Ladner memorial are crucial to Island racing.
“This type of series is a big draw for our customers. Expect a big mile tonight,” Drake said. “We would like to thank the organizing committee and the many sponsors that continue to make this series a success.”
A pair of rich finals is also slated on the card, with the $25,400 Ken Starratt Memorial Maritime Breeder’s Final for three-year-old pacing fillies going in Race 10. Elimination winner Ramblinglily has drawn Post 8 for driver MacPhee, co-owner-trainer Alan Jones of Riverview and co-owner Norman Leger of Shediac, NB.
Kaitlins Kowgirl won the other elimination for owner-trainer-driver Myles Heffernan of Glace Bay, NS, and has drawn Post 2 in the final.
The $23,700 Doug Harkness Memorial Maritime Breeder’s three-year-old pacing colt final has Untouchable One favoured from Post 3 for driver Arsenault, trainer Sean Dooley and owners Dooley Boys Racing Stable of Halifax.
The Rev (Danny Romo) won his elimination in 1:57 and has Post 2 in the rich affair. The other elimination winner, Twilite Zone, was entered to race but withdrawn before the draw due to health reasons.
The $3,000 Cecil Ladner Memorial consolation is slated for Race 9 on the card. First race post time for the 13-dash card is 6 p.m.
(CDP)
To view entries for Saturday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Saturday Entries – Charlottetown Driving Park.