Charlottetown opens for 2020 season

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – The statistical clocks are reset as Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park kicks off the 2020 harness racing season on Saturday afternoon.

The 14-dash Saturday presentation has a 12:30 P.M. first race post time with race 11 on the program being carded as the New Year's Pace. The $2,100 event has Silverhill Buddy tacked as the morning line favourite from post 4 with David Dowling in the bike for co-owner and trainer Dave Myers, who co-owns with Joanne MacRae and Gwyneth McGuirk. The now six-year-old son of Proven Lover had a banner season in 2019 with seven wins and $12,980 in purse earnings, with his latest trip to the winner's circle just two starts back.

Summerside Raceway sophomore track record holder Complete Player has post 2 in the full field with Kenny Arsenault picking up the catch drive behind the six-year-old son of Brandons Cowboy from the Tom Weatherbie stable. Smart Official leaves from post 7 with Jason Hughes at the lines for trainer Peter Lanigan of Montague.

Race analyst Les MacIsaac sides with Silverhill Buddy for the top piece of his selection in the New Year's Pace.

"Silverhill Buddy had to work hard for the front last time and while there's no guarantee it will be easier today since there's early speed to his inside, he still gets top billing," MacIsaac said.

Also in the field is Harbourlite Jerry (Driven by Steven Shepherd), Selkirk Echo (Ken Murphy), Oh To Be Me (Gary Chappell), Melanies Magic (Adam Merner) and Smiley Bayama (Corey MacPherson).

The preferred pace will see a tight knit field of five vying for a $2,900 purse in race 7. Screen Test rides a two-race win streak into the event from post 5 with MacPherson at the lines for trainer Stephen Gass of Cornwall. Other top entries are Creepin (Dowling) and Winter Blast (Hughes).

For more information go to Redshores.ca.

By Nicholas Oakes, for Red Shores