Governor’s Plate Week racing will heat up on Tuesday evening (July 9). The program will be the first of five consecutive evening programs, and Atlantic Sires Stakes trotters will be taking centre stage at Red Shores’ Summerside Raceway.
The Tuesday card has 10 dashes scheduled and a first-race post time of 6:30 p.m. The program will feature the Atlantic Sires Stakes for two and three-year-old trotters, sponsored by Meridian Farms and the P.E.I. Harness Racing Industry Association.
The rookie trotters will make their career debuts in Race 6, as the lone sires stakes division will feature a hefty $15,720 purse. Mykindofparty was impressive in his qualifier, but will have to overcome Post 7 in his debut. Adam Merner has landed the catch-driving assignment for owner Jonathan MacDonald of North Wiltshire and trainer Stephen Gass. Other top entrants include Windemere Ally (to be driven by David Dowling) and Mabou Ridge (Clare MacDonald).
Maritime champion Getting Messi will headline Race 2, which will be the first Atlantic Sires Stakes three-year-old trotting contest (a purse of $6,180 will be on the line). Mike McGuigan will be back at the lines of the Len McGuigan trainee for owner Jamie Whalen of Avondale. The three-year-old son of Armbro Barrister overwhelmed his opponents in his last start by winning in 1:58.3, which was a new Atlantic record for sophomore trotters at the CDP.
Last year’s Atlantic Triple Crown winner, Mile Hill Willie, will start from Post 2 in Race 4. Regular driver Gilles Barrieau will be at the controls for owner-trainer Paul Morrison of Cardigan. Mile Hill Willie was a winner of seven of his 11 races as a rookie. He won his last start over an off track in 2:02.2.
The third and final Atlantic Sires Stakes three-year-old division, which will feature a purse of $6,180, has Westview Sue installed as the morning line choice. MacPherson has been listed to drive for trainer Gass and owner Jim Gorman of South Melville. The Delcrest Julian filly made a break in her last start, but had a trio of top three finishes in her previous assignments.
Check out redshores.ca for live video, race programs, promotional plays and more on the countdown to the Governor’s Plate, presented by Township Chevrolet and Noonan Petroleum.
To view the harness racing entries for Tuesday at Summerside, click the following link: Tuesday Entries – Summerside Raceway.
(With files from Red Shores)