Perfect Escape headlines Red Shores top pace

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – If presented with open road, the Thursday night harness racing feature could be Perfect Escape's race to lose at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at The Charlottetown Driving Park.

First race post time is 6:30 p.m. for the 13-dash card with Perfect Escape drawing post 3 in the race 12 feature for driver Gilles Barrieau, trainer Jackie Matheson and owners Jack Keenan of Stratford and Joseph Dahl of Ontario. The son of McArdle earned himself a new seasonal mark in his latest outing, winning in 1:54.2 on top at every call. Eage Jolt always has some say in the outcome and draws post 2 for trainer-driver Marc Campbell, while Likely To Win has rail control with trainer-driver Adam Merner, fresh off a runner-up finish to Perfect Escape in that fast mile.

Race analyst Les MacIsaac goes with Perfect Escape to get the job done.

"When this guy brings his A-game, which he did last week, he can dominate but you're never quite sure with him," MacIsaac said. "That being said, off that performance it's pretty hard to go against him."

Other entries in the $2,000 feature include Three Truths (Vaughan Doyle), American Captain (Kenny Arsenault), Motorino (Terry Gallant), Fightmaster (Corey MacPherson) and McJestic (Jason Hughes).

The top trot has a $1,700 purse on the line in race 6 as Wedgewood and Paymenowpaymelater drops out of Open company to compete against four other rivals. Wedgewood has post 2 with Gary Chappell at the lines for owner-trainer Glen Claybourne of Charlottetown, while Paymenowpaymelater has Barrieau at the lines of the former Maritime Champion for trainer Earl Watts and owner Wade Peconi of Stanchel.

For race programs, top picks and live broadcast go to www.redshores.ca.

By Nicholas Oakes For Red Shores