SUMMERSIDE, PE – Governor's Plate Week of harness racing becomes red hot on Tuesday evening with first of five straight night programs and the Atlantic Sires Stakes trotters taking centre stage at Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway.
The Tuesday card has 10-dashes scheduled with a 6:30 P.M. post time featuring 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 make their career debuts in race 6 of the program with the lone Sires Stakes division carrying a hefty $15,720 purse. Mykindofparty was impressive in his qualifier but must overcome post 7 in his debut with Adam Merner picking up the catch driving assignment for owner Jonathan MacDonald of North Wiltshire and trainer Stephen Gass. Other top entrants include Windemere Ally (Driven by David Dowling) and Mabou Ridge (Clare MacDonald).
Maritime Champion Getting Messi will headline race 2 of the card in the first Atlantic Sires Stakes three-year-old trotting contest with a $6,180 purse at stake. Mike McGuigan is 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 winning in 1:58.3 to set a new track and Atlantic record for sophomore trotters at Red Shores Charlottetown.
Last year's Atlantic Triple Crown winner, Mile Hill Willie, has post 2 in race 4 of the evening with regular driver Gilles Barrieau at the controls for owner-trainer Paul Morrison of Cardigan. A winner of seven out of 11 races as a rookie, Mile Hill Willie was a winner his last start over an off-track in 2:02.2.
The third and final Atlantic Sires Stakes three-year-old division has Westview Sue installed as the morning line choice in the $6,180 event with MacPherson driving 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 starts.
Check out www.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.
By Nicholas Oakes For Red Shores