CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The Guardian Gold Cup and Saucer, regarded by many in the harness racing world as the greatest spectacle in our sport, goes tonight in Charlottetown and all the factors that make for a thrilling race are in place.
The heavy favourite, Ontario invader Casimir Richie P, drew an outside post (6) with speed inside while the best invitational horse in the region during the past four years, Rose Run Quest, drew the outside eight-spot. Sandwiched between these two is Simple Kinda Man, another serious contender, and that post position makes his chances of winning more difficult.
Lisburn drew the coveted rail, giving driver Ken Arsenault a legitimate contender, but the horse has been only so-so this year. He barely qualified with a fourth-place finish in Trial 2, but he does have more back class than the others and if he can dig into the past, he’s in the hunt.
Time to Dance leaves from Post 2 and this horse has been nothing short of sensational since being shipped here from Rideau Carleton. He got parked in a vicious :27 opening quarter in Trial 1, but still had enough to rally late for Marc Campbell, stepping to a new lifetime-best of 1:52.4.
Campbell had a choice of driving Time to Dance or Rose Run Quest and he chose the horse with the inside post position while Gilles Barrieau handles the Quest horse. There’s an old adage in gambling, never bet against a horse that took a lifetime mark last outing if back in against a similar field. The lone difference here is Casimir Richie P races the top class at Mohawk.
There are a number of other horses in the field tonight that came up with impressive performances in their elimination races and a repeat gets them close at the end. Screen Test (Corey MacPherson) was terrific in his trial, on the rim from the half onwards and gaining right to the wire. A repeat performance could land him in tonight winner’s circle.
Father Ofthe Year and Woodmere Ideal Art produced the two biggest surprises from the two trials and both earned their way into the big show. Father Ofthe Year raced his heart out, parking Time to Dance and closing with authority, a game fourth in 1:52 and change for veteran driver Mike Downey, who won the 1990 Gold Cup and Saucer with Tiger Bird. Downey knows what this race is all about, he was third and sixth with Special Reward in races won by Sauls Pride (1980) and Henry Butler (1981), respectively.
Woodmere Ideal Art got a ground-saving trip by local driver David Dowling and the son of Articular had plenty in reserve closing in :27 and change, charted in 1:52:1. A similar trip puts this horse in the hunt.
In tonight’s race, only drivers Campbell, Barrieau and Downey have won this race. Dale Spence, Arsenault, MacPherson, Jason Hughes and Dowling would like nothing better than to break into the win plateau.
If you’re watching from elsewhere, here’s why Casimir Richie P could be your sentimental favourite. Talented Spence and his partner Mackenzie MacInnis worked all winter in Florida for trainer Dr. Ian Moore and returned back to P.E.I. after the coronavirus (COVID019 strain) pandemic. They were supposed to get married in June, but the coronavirus ended that, but the other plan which could come true is Moore’s promise of sending Dale a Gold Cup and Saucer contender. The wedding plans have been put on hold, but he and his bride-to-be could make history tonight. Let’s hope for a great race and a safe journey for all.
Increased funding
The premier’s breakfast on Wednesday drew a social-distanced crowd and the major announcement was Dennis King’s commitment to an annual two-per-cent increase to the P.E.I. purse pool account. Great news with the yearling sale on the horizon.
Cape Breton connections
So many fans were touched by the Yankee Osborne story and the background of the purchase of the Trial 1 co-favourite that he was the heavy sentimental favourite Monday night. It was heart-breaking watching the horse go on the run, and even more painful for veteran owner Frank MacInnis of Inverness, N.S., who was here with his grandkids. Let’s hope Yankee Osborne got the job done Friday night in the consolation.
One of the reasons Cape Bretoners are loved here is their loyalty and support of the Gold Cup and Saucer from the outset. Glace Bay’s Donald R. MacKenzie owned the 1960 winner, Dees Boy, and 1963 champ Bob Brook, and since then Cape Breton has been well represented here in Charlottetown. Names like Killarney Boy, Dance Me Loose, Borderview Roy, Opal Creed and this year’s contenders Euchred and Yankee Osborne bring back fond memories, one of which involves my good friend Wally McInnis, who drove Colombo Seelster 40 years ago in the 1980 race won by the great Sauls Pride.
Golf
Mill River Golf president Don MacDougall and Summerside’s Boys and Girls Club guru Adam Binkley did a super job of getting a greatly reduced golf tournament off the ground last weekend at the beautiful Mill River course.
Dion Phaneuf made some big puts and Gerard (Turk) Gallant showed up with son-in-law Darryl Boyce and pal C.J. Gallant but none of the Summerside boys could get close to long-ball hitter and Calgary Flames’ property Alex Gallant.
Grant Sonier and Scott MacDonald were close, but Alex was a notch or two longer. Sonier sank three long puts to keep his team of brothers Wade, Brian and Jason Hulbert in the hunt. Popular Doug MacLean played but his cart was noticeably quiet, not a good sign. C.J. Gallant told me Turk has more golf equipment than Tiger Woods, must have had 20 clubs in his bag.
Some guys will do anything to avoid being seen getting golf tips and lessons. Mike (Willis) Hennessey tried to get in some much-needed lessons at Mill River and he was spotted by Charlottetown sports figures.
If you need help Mike, I’ll send you Dave Bowlan’s number at Avondale.
Fred MacDonald's column appears every Saturday in The Guardian. He can be reached at [email protected].
