Freddie has the lead in the win department but recent weeks at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park have shown the Open Trot is anyone’s race to win.
A 12-dash Thursday evening presentation at the capital oval will kick off at 6:30 P.M., with the $2,350 Open Trot hitting the track in the eighth race. Freddie has compiled eight wins on the season to dwarf his competition but recent racing action has seen its share of different winners in this class. Post 7 will not make the road easy for Freddie, with trainer-driver Marc Campbell at the lines for owner Three Wisemen Stable of Kingston. Hop Up (Corey MacPherson) has a one-two record her last two starts from Post 4 while Star Photo (Jason Hughes) has been in the triactor his last five races. Majian Tango (Jim Ripley) has been rock-solid all season and will look to rebound off a fourth-place finish his last start to those three foes.
Race analyst Les MacIsaac will cast aside the post-position disadvantage and go with Freddie for the top spot.
“Freddie hit the front by the quarter last week and never looked back in scoring his 55th career win,” MacIsaac said. “We can’t imagine it being that easy tonight but regardless, it’s hard to rule out a repeat.”
Filling out the field are Frill Seeker (Kenny Arsenault), Suicide Shift (Steven Shepherd) and Daisy River (Walter Cheverie).
The top pace of the evening lines up in the finale as a quartet of talented pacing mares drop out of the Fillies and Mares Open class. Rocknrols Image will leave from Post 2 Thursday evening in Race 12 as she looks for the lion’s share of the $2,300 purse. Hughes is in the bike behind the Kevin Gillis-trained pacer for owner David MacDonald of Belfast. A third-place finisher pacing in 1:56.1 her last start, Rocknrols Image has earned the respect of morning line favourite. Also making the drop from the top mare’s class are Innocent Kiss (Adam Merner), Collective Wisdom (Gilles Barrieau) and Bettim Vicky (Marc Campbell).
For race programs, promotional information and more check out Redshores.ca. To view the entries for Thursday's card, click the following link: Thursday Entries - Charlottetown Driving Park.
(with files from Red Shores)