MacPherson moves to the top of standings

Charlottetown, PE – He is the man on the move. Corey MacPherson has been winning multiple races since his return to the track in November and takes over the top spot in the driver standings at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park with 13 victories. The legendary harness racing oval has 13 races on Saturday. Post time is 12:30pm.

"I'm feeling really good right now and my confidence is up because I'm driving better horses too," said MacPherson. "It really comes down to the horses but I'm driving with a bit more patience and I try to put each horse in a position to win."

One of those horses is Idealic Life. The 12 year-old son of Western Ideal is trained by Trevor Hicken and goes for his seventh straight score Saturday in race 12. MacPherson said he's a pleasure to drive. "You can hold him with two fingers in the post parade but once you turn him behind the gate he's like a race car. He likes the front but he can come off a helmet and once I move him he delivers such a burst of speed. He's a nice horse."

Best Risque goes after her fifth in a row on the open mares handicapped for MacPherson and trainer Brian Ladner. "I got into a little trouble with her last week and had to go three high to the opening quarter but she proved how tough she is. That was a big win." The roster also includes A Fiesty X Ample off the rail for driver Stephen Quinn and conditioner Nickolas Oakes. Quinn is third in the standings with 4 winners in the first month of 2016 three behind Marc Campbell who sits in second with seven. Campbell only needs one more trip to victory lane to notch 1,500 in his career.

A familiar name returns to Charlottetown. Smokin Bear, who appeared in the 2013 Gold Cup & Saucer, is entered to compete in race 10 for driver Mike McGuigan, trainer Kenneth Wilkie and owner Jamie Whelan.

Customers still have a chance to purchase tickets on a Gold Cup & Saucer and Governor's Plate prize package in the Classy Lane fundraiser. Tickets are $10 dollars and are available at the Rewards Club in Charlottetown and Summerside. The last chance to buy tickets will be January 30th.

The harness racing fan choice awards ballot will be in the race program on Saturday. Fans will have an opportunity to select their favorites and be entered for a chance to win a Red Shores prize package.

For entries, race programs or live broadcast go to www.redshores.ca

Lee Drake