CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Freddie was the undisputed ringleader of the open trot in 2018 but this year tells as a different tale as Star Photo has yet to taste defeat.
He will try to continue that success tonight at Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
The 11-dash card has a 6:30 p.m. first race post time with the featured open trot lining up in Race 8 for a $2,400 purse. Star Photo has drawn the outside in the field of six with Jason Hughes at the lines for trainer Kevin Gillis. The 10-year-old son of Classic Photo has won both his Island starts in the top trot since relocating from Ontario in late May.
Freddie will finally draw inside of Star Photo tonight, as he leaves from Post 5 for trainer-driver Marc Campbell and owner Three Wisemen Stable of Kingston.
Race analyst Les MacIsaac thinks the post draw will tell the tale as he sides with Freddie.
“The newcomer, Star Photo, has gotten the better of Freddie in his first two starts but Freddie draws inside that one tonight which could be the deciding factor,” MacIsaac said.
The field also includes: Wedgewood (Gary Chappell), Scary Good (Gilles Barrieau), Suicide Shift (Steven Shepherd) and Majian Tango (Jim Ripley).
Race 6 on the program has Gettin Messi looking to extend his win streak after hitting the wire first in his last three races. The son of Armbro Barrister is prepping for his stakes campaign, which will kick off during Governor’s Plate week at Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway. The Len McGuigan-trainee is listed as the morning-line favourite tonight going for a $1,900 purse with Mike McGuigan in the bike for owner Jamie Whalen of Avondale.
The Kier Jones and Allie Carr celebration pace headlines Race 9 with a $1,500 purse at play. Elektra Express draws Post 3 fresh off of facing the top pacing mares in Eastern Canada on Sunday. Hughes is back in the bike for trainer Jennifer Doyle, who co-owns the mare with Danny Birt of Earnescliffe.
– Compiled by Nicholas Oakes for Red Shores.
