Stakes action at Charlottetown as Handicapping Challenge ends in photo finish

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – The stars aligned for the Marc Campbell harness racing stable as his pupils defeated the best Invitational pacers in Atlantic Canada Saturday evening at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

Roll Em (Time To Roll) came first-over and demolished the field in 1:51.3 in line to trainer Campbell as part of a driving grand slam and training triple in a $7,500 Ladner division over Twin B Tuffenuff (Driven by Gilles Barrieau) and Laughagain Hanover (Jason Hughes), who was placed to third. Brady Doyle of Stratford co-owns the pacer with Brent Campbell, Ryan MacLeod and the Savage Stable.

YS Mathis (Sportswriter) won the other $7,500 Ladner Invitational race by a neck in 1:53.2 with Corey MacPherson in tow for trainer Campbell. No Plan Intended (Hughes) was second in that photo with Matticulous GB (Ken Murphy) completing the triactor. The Sportswriter stallion is owned by Brady Doyle and Jacinta Campbell.

The superb 15-dash program also featured the Home Hardware Maritime Breeder’s for three-year-old pacers.

Bacononabiscuit (Tobago Cays, Campbell) won a $15,700 colt division in 1:56 for owner MCR Bacononabiscuit Group and trainer Stacey Darrach over JJ Landon (Barrieau) and No Boats On Sunday (Myles Heffernan Sr.).

Woodmere Dealer (Rollwithitharry) won another split for trainer-driver Hughes and owner Donald MacRae of Vernon Bridge in 1:57. Second went to Woodmere Knight (Murphy) with Junes Boy (Paul Langille) third.

Malignity (Malicious) and trainer-driver Langille captured the fastest split, stopping the clock in 1:54.2 over Howmac Charmer (Patrick Shepherd) and Proudofyatoday (Campbell). Debbie Francis co-owns the colt with fellow Bluenoser Rosanne Langille.

Our Girl Annie (Arthur Blue Chip) returned to her winning ways in a $16,100 Home Hardware Maritime Breeder’s filly division with a 1:56.3 score for driver MacPherson, trainer Eddy Doucette and owners Blaine, Jennifer and Jessica Thibeau. Saulsbrook Abbey (Hughes) rallied for second ahead of Woodmere Jade (Heffernan).

Lookoveryour (Stonebridge Terror) was an upset winner in her division sitting second and breezing past race favourite Saulsbrook Mabel (Barrieau) in the stretch to win in 1:55.1. The lass is trained and driven by Campbell for owners Jeff and Philip Valley. Third went to Next In Line (Hughes).

The final filly division went to Itsuptoyou (Rollwithitharry, Campbell) in 1:56.4 from the Kevin MacLean barn for owner Reg MacPherson. Elm Grove Redwine (David Dowling) was second with Lil Reeses Pieces (Adam Merner) completing the triactor.

MacPherson completed his driving hat trick winning the finale with Mr Rielly in 1:56.

Trainer Wade Myers had two trips to the winner’s circle with Slate N (Dowling) in 1:57.1 and Leavin Bruises (Murphy) in 1:55.3.

The wager was $109,348

The All Star Handicapping Challenge also concluded on the card with an exhilarating final leg that tested the skills and knowledge of the participating All Stars. The highly competitive 15-race program pushed the contenders to their limits, resulting in a thrilling finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

In a remarkable come-from-behind victory, Robert Reid Jr. clinched the top position with an impressive total of 121 points. Close on his heels was Garnet Barnsdale, finishing in second place with 120 points, while Dawn Lupul secured a commendable third place with 117 points in the four-week challenge. The intense competition saw a constant exchange of leads, making it an unpredictable battle until the very end.

“The challenge couldn’t have been any tighter all the way to the finish!” exclaimed Lee Drake, the Manager of Racing and Broadcast at Red Shores. “We couldn’t have asked for a better matchup among these talented All Stars.”

Robert Reid Jr., in response to his victory, shared his excitement on Twitter, stating, “What a thrilling finish! I’m honored to come out on top in such a challenging competition. Thank you to all the fans who believed in me and supported me throughout.”

The fans displayed their astute judgment by favoring Robert as the top pick to win the competition, with 50% of the votes backing him. To express their gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support, Red Shores will hold a draw for merchandise exclusively among those who voted for Robert. Additionally, there will be a draw among fans who selected the winner each night of the competition. The winners of these draws will be announced during the Thursday, June 29th program. For further information, please visit redshores.ca.

The All Star Handicapping Challenge showcased the best of harness racing handicapping expertise, captivating fans and participants alike. Red Shores extends its heartfelt congratulations to Robert Reid Jr., Garnet Barnsdale, and Dawn Lupul for their outstanding performances throughout the competition. The dedication and skill demonstrated by these All Stars truly embody the spirit of our sport.

Live racing continues Tuesday evening at 6 P.M. at Red Shores Summerside.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Oakes, for Red Shores