Autumn Series set to go at Charlottetown

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – Doc Darryl will have the target on his back as the one to beat in elimination action of the P.E.I. Harness Racing Industry Association Autumn Series Saturday afternoon (Nov. 26) at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

The city track has a 12-dash presentation planned for Saturday with a 12:30 P.M., opening post time.

Doc Darryl (Sunshine Beach) is top dog in the first elimination in race 2 for a $2,500 purse for owner-trainer Morgan Sheppard of Brackley with her father Colin Sheppard in the race bike of the five-year-old pacer. Doc Darryl has raced competitively in the upper classes at Red Shores, pacing miles in 1:54 and change but only scored one win so far in 2022.

That will look to change from post 5 on Saturday as his top rivals include Shifting Views (Corey MacPherson) from the Paul Conway barn with post 3 and Whims Drop Off (Myles Heffernan Sr.) from post 4 for the Wilkie family. Other entries are Watchhimtreasure (David Dowling), Crimson N Clover (Kenny Arsenault) and Pleasing Pink (Brady Sweet).

The Post Time Picks have Doc Darryl as the top choice.

“Doc Darryl was put on the engine three back and led for a long way just getting collared at the end. While you’re at it have a look at those closing quarters and that’s why he’s on top of the ticket.”

The other $2,500 elimination is in race 4 with Diamond Call pegged on top with rail control for driver Dowling, trainer Melissa Rennie and owners Dale and Ronnie Rennie of Elmsdale. The Well Said five-year-old was a winner earlier this season in 1:57.4 at Red Shores Charlottetown.

Pacific Delight leaves from post 2 in that elimination for the team of driver Gilles Barrieau and trainer Ron Matheson. Also in the field are Windemere Kirk (Mark Bradley), Luigi Bizacko (Steven Murphy), Grand Ave Legend (Heffernan) and Lock Her Up (Arsenault).

The top horses from each elimination will advance to the Dec. 3 final for a $4,000 purse.

For complete Saturday race entries, click here.

Preferred Pace in the air Sunday

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – Who will win the Sunday afternoon feature is anyone guess in a wide-open betting affair at Charlottetown.

The 13-dash card has a 12:30 P.M., start time with a preferred pace sure to keep punters guessing as a field of six vies for a $3,500 purse. Mantario (Sportswriter) is the morning line favourite from post 3 for driver David Dowling, trainer and co-owner Jennifer Doyle and co-owner Danny Birt of Earnscliffe.

The six-year-old was a winner at this level two-back but fell to defeat by Burn Out Hanover last week. Brady Sweet will drive Burn Out Hanover from post 6 on Sunday as the Jeff Holmes trainee looks for his ninth win of the season and the depth of the field is easily shown by the defending winner’s 6-1 morning line odds.

Stash It Away will pick up the talents of National Driving Championship finalist Gilles Barrieau from post 5 from the Kevin MacLean barn fresh off a pair of second-place finishes in the preferred class. Mr Reilly (To be driven by Corey MacPherson) put in a huge 1:55.1 performance his latest start and has rail control.

Post 2 belongs to Spicey P (Jason Hughes) while Ken Murphy picks up the drive on Navalny from post 4 for trainer Melissa Rennie.
Mantario gets top billing in the Sunday Post Time Picks.

“Mantario may be the sharpest horse on P.E.I., and if you need more proof have a look at those snappy closing panels. He also gets a better spot to work from and this is a good combination so it could be picture time.”

The world class harness card will be broadcast on the Red Shores YouTube channel as well as at Redshores.ca. Wager online at HPIBet.com.

For complete Sunday race entries, click here.

by Nicholas Oakes, for Red Shores