Bugsy Maguire scores in Charlottetown

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – Bugsy Maguire, the defending Governor's Plate champion, toured the harness racing oval in fine form Saturday afternoon in the featured pace at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

Bugsy Maguire disposed of his foes in the $2,900 preferred pace on the afternoon card, controlling the front end on his way to a 1:57 victory in line to Gilles Barrieau.

Wade Sorrie trains the seven-year-old son of Bettors Delight for owner Walter Simmons of Summerside.

Chocolate Swirl (Driven by Jason Hughes) was second while third went to Rockin Indy (Corey MacPherson).

The Ron Gass stable was razor sharp on the afternoon program with three wins, all with MacPherson at the lines, including a 1:59 open-length score by Woodmere Chella in the $2,800 Fillies and Mares Open pace. Gass and MacPherson also clicked with Magical Cowgirl (2:02) and Rave Review (2:03.4).

MacPherson also visited the winner's circle with Tell Me Why (1:59.3) for trainer Joe MacDonald for the driving quadruple. Hughes hit the wire first in the race bike in three dashes on the afternoon.

He won with his own Warrawee Ulla (1:59.2), Jetta Flys (2:00.4) for trainer Stephen Quinn and Smart Official (1:58.2) from the Peter Lanigan barn.

Babbling remained undefeated on the East Coast in race 9 as the Mike Dowling trainee won in 1:58.4 for his fourth straight win with brother David Dowling in the bike.

Live racing continues next Saturday (Feb. 6) for the final program of the season at Red Shores Charlottetown. For race replays and more go to Redshores.ca.

By Nicholas Oakes For Red Shores