SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — The Governor’s Plate eliminations are set for Sunday afternoon (post time 1 p.m.) at Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway.
That means it’s time for my annual look at the ‘Pretenders and Contenders’ as the raceway gets ready for Lobster Carnival Week. Next week’s Governor’s Plate column will also be my final edition of this column.
First Elimination (Race 11)
Down On My Luck
One of Canada’s leading trainers is back down as trainer on this horse and Jason (The Blue Knight) Hughes is in the sulky and he drew the rail to boot. This horse wasn’t setting the world on fire since coming to the East Coast but, these three factors make him a contender.
He’s Marvelous
He’s been priced as low as a $9,000 claimer and I haven’t seen one of those win the Governor’s Plate. He’s a pretender.
All Artist
All Artist is the fastest horse in the Maritimes this year after a 1:53 4/5 scorcher at Truro Raceway. Veteran trainer Barney McGuigan has taken over the conditioning. He’s a contender.
J.J. Powerball
I simply can’t believe he’s in here. He’s a pretender.
Czar Seelster
He’s the reigning Governor’s Plate champ and has two tightening starts. Kenny Arsenault is looking for his third plate. He’s a contender.
Soccer Hanover
He’s been on a roll, climbing the conditioned ladder with ease, however this is the Governor’s Plate. He’s a pretender.
Burn Out Hanover
Burn Out Hanover is one of the best-bred horses to ever come to P.E.I. I don’t think the “Maritime Magic Man” Gilles Barrieau can get him in. He’s a pretender.
Euchred
He was given a week off to freshen up for this race. He had back-to-back 1:54 2/5 victories in Charlottetown and David Dowling can drive with the best. Even from the grandstand side (Post 8). He’s a contender.
Second Elimination (Race 12)
Screen Test
This horse simply didn’t show up in the Ladner memorial and I’ll throw that start out. He shows a three-race win streak and closing quarters in 27 and change. It will depend on the drive. He’s a contender.
Rose Run Quest
He’s been on the podium in all of his starts this year on the Island. The ultra-talented Marc Campbell will get him to the final. He’s a contender.
Noudidn’t Blue Chip
He has won his last three starts and last week snuck a second quarter in 31 1/5. If that happens Sunday, the phone will be ringing. He’s a pretender.
Bugsy Maguire
Owner Walter Simmons has tried so hard to win the Governor’s Plate and has a legitimate shot this year. Bugsy has a half-mile record of 1:52 1/5 and can take some air. He’s a contender.
Half Cut
He has had a stellar stakes career, winning more than $80,000 in stakes money. He has a wonderful ownership group that is great for the game. He’ll need a trip. He’s a contender.
Do Over Hanover
The 2017 Governor’s Plate winner has two qualifying starts but only paced in 1:59 and change. No flash from the past tomorrow. He’s a pretender.
Doctor Royal
He was hot this spring but has cooled off, not picking up purse money in his last two races. He’s a pretender.
Revenant
He shows a lot of miles in the 1:55 area. Post position is key, and he drew the outside on Sunday. He’s a pretender.
Once again this year, I mean no disrespect to any of these horses in Sunday’s eliminations and any one of these standout pacers would be a welcomed addition to any stable.
Good luck to all.
Vance Cameron is the track announcer in Summerside and Charlottetown. Comments and suggestions can be sent to[email protected].
Ad-Vance Picks:
A look at Sunday’s picks:
Best Bets – Pretty N Dangerous (Race 4) and Rose Run Quest (Race 12).
Long Shot Possibilities – J.K. Cowboy (Race 5) and Woodmere Ideal Art (Race 7).
Recent results
A look at the recent winners of the Governor’s Plate.
2018 – Czar Seelster (Kenny Arsenault).
2017 – Do Over Hanover (Marc Campbell).
2016 – YS Lotus (Marc Campbell).
2015 – D G’s Camme (Gilles Barrieau).
2014 – D G’s Camme (Gilles Barrieau).
2013 – Wild Dragon (Gilles Barrieau).
2012 – Mcapulco (Gilles Barrieau).
2011 – Serious Damage (Kenny Arsenault).
2010 – PH Bestman (Todd Trites)
2009 – Outlawpositivcharg (Terry Gallant)
2008 – Outlawpositivcharg (Terry Gallant)
