Gold Cup and Saucer spots about to be decided

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – The final three harness racing spots for the 63rd edition of the Gold Cup and Saucer, presented by Atlantic Lottery, will be decided Monday evening at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

The capital half-miler will have 12-dashes on tap with a 7 P.M. opening post time.

The $12,500 Gold Cup and Saucer Trial 3 lines up as the race 12 finale with Governor’s Plate champion No Plan Intended drawing post 6 for trainer Colin Johnson and owners Carl Jamieson of Ontario and Brian Paquet of Quebec. Jody Jamieson makes the trip to P.E.I. to drive the son of Up The Credit while riding a two-race win streak. Driver Wally Hennessey returns to his hometown to drive Patrikthepiranha (Four Starzzz Shark) from post 5 as the multiple Hall of Fame driver begins the journey for a potential third Gold Cup and Saucer victory.

Melissa Beckwith trains the Australian bred who has won six races and banked $109,000 this season.

The field also includes Ys Mathis (Sportswriter, to be driven by Marc Campbell), Rhodena Road (Ponder, Brett MacDonald), Lovemyrockinbird (Mystery Chase, Jason Hughes), Spectrum Seelster (Mach Three, Brandon Campbell) and Batterup Hanover (Betting Line, Paul Langille).

The Post Time Picks like Patrikthepiranha A to front the ticket and be one of the top three finishers to advance to the Aug. 20 $100,000 final.

“Patrikthepiranha A has been lighting it up at Plainridge and was a winner in 1:51.2 on July 25th. He also tuned up for the Trial with a qualifier over the half mile track at Saratoga in 1:53.1. It looks like he can handle a half and Hennessey is home to drive so we’re booking them a spot in the Gold Cup Final.”

The program also features the Atlantic Sires Stakes for three-year-old pacing colts with $16,480 A-divisions in races 8 and 10. Trainer-driver Marc Campbell is favoured in both divisions with St Charles fireball in race 8 from post 4 and with Fern Hill Gusto from post 6 in race 10 while riding a three-race win streak.

For a complete racing schedule, race programs, live video and more go to Redshores.ca. Online wagering is available at HPIBet.com.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Nicholas Oakes, for Red Shores