It's time for Dirt Track Momma to defend her Spud Island Classic title during Old Home Week. The first leg of the series for Open mares starts Saturday (August 2) at Red Shores' Charlottetown Driving Park.
The series is presented by the P.E.I. Potato Board. First-race post time for the CDP’s Saturday card is 6 p.m.
Last year, ‘Momma’ headed into the series on a three-race win streak. She continued her winning ways in the series and swept both preliminary legs before winning the final in a blistering 1:54.2.
In Race 7 on Saturday night, Dirt Track Momma will look to get her season on track from Post 7 for owner-trainer Jonah Moase. Marc Campbell will do the driving and will face six other rivals. J K Special has been named the morning line favourite for owner Joe Smallwood and regular driver Walter Cheverie. The nine-year-old daughter of Cammibest will start from Post 2.
For All We Know is carrying a three-race win streak into Saturday’s second division of the Spud Island. The seven-year-old daughter of Rocknroll Hanover is owned by Bruce Wood and will look to extend her win streak to four from Post 5. Gilles Barrieau will make the trek from Saint John to drive for Jackie Matheson. A newcomer to P.E.I., Russian Kisses will be right next door in Post 6. The four-year-old daughter of Badlands Hanover shows consistent miles of 1:54 and change over Grand River Raceway for owners Robert Shepherd, Joseph Travis and Forrest Bartlett. Robert has handed the driving duties over to his brother, Steven. His father, Harold, is the trainer. Bunny Mach, Winner Panic, Miracleonthehudson, Icandothat and Silky Britches round out the field.
A pair of earlier driver-trainer combinations will pair up and do battle in the third and final division. The gate chaser, Andro Madi, has been labelled the morning line choice for Campbell and Moase. The winner of 23 lifetime races has drawn Post 4. Two-time Spud Island Classic champ General LuckyPercy will be one spot closer to the rail (Post 3) for Barrieau and Matheson. Stayoutofmyaffair, last year's Atlantic Aged Mare champion, has drawn the outside Post 7 for owner Robi Hughes. Brother Jason handles the training and driving on the winner of 30 lifetime victories.
The battle for top driver at the CDP is heating up. Hughes currently sits on top of the leaderboard with 45 victories. Defending champion Campbell is only two wins behind with 43. The battle is sure to catch fire next week during the 16 cards of racing for Old Home Week.
To view the harness racing entries for Saturday at the CDP, click the following link: Saturday Entries – Charlottetown Driving Park.
(With files from Red Shores)