Charlottetown, PE – The stage is set for the $7,000 Maritime Breeders final for three-year-old trotters Saturday at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park. Post time is 6pm.
The final is named in honor of John "Buddy" Campbell, a longtime horseman, race secretary and former starter at the CDP. It's presented by Meridian Farms.
Race analysts are split on their decision of top choice with Gerard Smith listing JK Blaze and driver Walter Cheverie as the one to beat while Les MacIsaac puts Paymenowpaymelater, with Marc Campbell in the bike, as his top play. Phoenician, owned by Buntainwood Farm, Brackley Beach and trained by Nick Oakes, should also be in the hunt while another top contender, Suicide Shift, will have to navigate post 7 for driver Steven Shepherd. The rich final, scheduled for post at 7:25pm, also stars Windemere Ty (Jack Panting), Dusty Lane Jacob (Ken Murphy) and Tyne Valley (Kenny Arsenault).
Campbell gets another live drive aboard Forever Paradise in the evening's preferred pace in race 11. Trainer Kevin MacLean sends out the pacing star as they go after their 14th win of the season. Nogreatmischief, My Lucky Killean, All Turain and Machinthesand will try to spoil the party.
The evening will also feature the Amateur Driving Series sponsored by Chuckie's Sports Excellence. The drivers include Kyle DesRoche, Shane Baglole, Nick MacGillivray, Drew Neill, Taylor Doyle, Ashley Gamester, Travis Timmons, Ryan DesRoche, Austin Sorrie and Chad Taylor.
Acton O So Royal draws the rail in Summerside Feature
Summerside, PE – Acton O So Royal goes after this third win in a row when he appears in the top class Sunday at Red Shores Summerside. Post time is 1pm.
Gary Chappell is back in the bike for owner Wayne Pike, Winlsoe, PE and trainer Colleen Chappell. The six-year-old is coming off back to back winning performances including a 1:57.4 score. He'll line up beside J RS Hurricane from the Jean Charles Belliveau stable and race analyst Jared Stretch's top selection. Ken Murphy is listed the drive. The power packed field also includes Cambest Kisser, Outside the Wire and Motorino.
In other action, DBS Rosco will attempt to extend his winning streak to three in the afternoon's back-up class. The pacer is owned by Robbie Shaw, Derek Folland and trainer Wendell Shaw. Rosco steps up to battle Blu Meadow Willie who is only three wins away from his 60th lifetime score.
Driver Walter Cheverie goes into the weekend of racing only four wins away from career win 2,500. Cheverie has six drives Saturday and down to drive 11 Sunday at Red Shores Summerside.
For entries, top picks and live broadcast go to www.redshores.cae A. Drake
Red Shores Racetrack and Casino