The 16 finest pacers that call the eastern seaboard of Canada home will go hoof-to-hoof Sunday afternoon (July 7) at Red Shores at Summerside Raceway in eliminations for the prestigious Governor’s Plate.
The two $5,000 Township Chev/Noonan Petroleum Governor’s Plate eliminations will populate the final two dashes of a 12-race card to kick off at 1 p.m.
Race 11 will see eight potential Governor’s Plate finalists face off for the first four spots in next Saturday’s final that will mark the completion of Governor’s Plate Week racing.
Down On My Luck controls the rail in that contest, with Jason Hughes in the bike for trainer Patrick Shepherd and owner Robert Woodburn. The pacer has scored three wins so far this season, but has yet to hit the winner’s circle in three tries in Prince Edward Island.
Defending Governor’s Plate champion Czar Seelster will leave from post 5 in the first elimination for the combination of driver Kenny Arsenault and trainer Todd Weatherbee. Maritime seasonal record holder All Artist (Mike McGuigan) has post 3, while hard-hitting Invitational pacer Euchred (David Dowling) is saddled with post 8.
Also in the field are Hes Marvalous (Myles Heffernan Sr.), JJ Powerball (Adam Merner), Soccer Hanover (Corey MacPherson) and Burn Out Hanover (Gilles Barrieau).
Rose Run Quest and Bugsy Maguire will have another showdown in the second Governor’s Plate elimination, carded as race 12. The pair have raced against each other twice, with one win each. Rose Run Quest has post 2 for trainer-driver Marc Campbell and owner Blair Hansen. Owner Walter Simmons has searched for a win in his hometown race for years, and the Summerside resident will have Bugsy Maguire looking for a spot in the final from post 4. Heffernan is in the bike behind the Cecil Ladner Memorial champion for trainer Wade Sorrie.
Screen Test will guard the rail for Corey MacPherson, while Noudidnt Blue Chip (Dowling) rides a three-race win streak into post 3.
Other entrants vying for the last four spots in the final are Half Cut (Mark Bradley), Do Over Hanover (Jason Hughes), Doctor Royal (Todd Trites) and Revenant (Merner).
The program will also see a pair of Governor’s Plate Open Mares eliminations in races six and nine, with each carrying a $3,000 purse.
Trainer Earl Watts will be special guest on Inside Track with host Lee Drake. The segment airs at 12:35 p.m. on the Red Shores Network.
To view Sunday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Red Shores Summerside.
(Red Shores)