37-1 longshot lights up Charlottetown

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – Circling from last, 37-1 longshot D Gs Elsa (Shanghai Phil) gave rookie harness racing trainer Luke Burke a race to remember in the Saturday (Oct. 28) afternoon Fillies and Mares Preferred Pace at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park. 

Driver Ken Murphy was unhurried with D Gs Elsa in the $3,500 top mare’s pace as post 1 starter Therealprincess (Driven by Dr. Mitchell Downey) tussled early with Share The Moment (Gilles Barrieau) and Acefortyfour Dome (Jason Hughes). Acefortyfourdome won the early duel, but as soon as she struck the lead past the 27.1 opening quarter, Tobins Brownie (David Dowling) popped out of fourth and rushed up to clear to the front at the 56 flat half-mile marker.

Tobins Brownie did not remain uncontested with Chelski (Corey MacPherson) keeping the action going, as the daughter of Rollwithitharry came calling first-over to challenge going to three-quarters of 1:25 flat. D Gs Elsa remained third-over in the flow but went wide around the final turn and got rolling late to get up for a three-quarter length decision in 1:54.1 to pay a whopping $76.70 win ticket. Tobins Brownie was second at 14-1 with Chelski finishing third. 

The win was number six of the season for rookie trainer Burke, who conditions the 27-time winner for owner Robin Burke of Brackley. 

In other action, driver Marc Campbell tripled up on the day winning the $3,800 Preferred 1 pace with Time To Dance in 1:54.2 for trainer Brent Campbell, who co-owns the former Gold Cup and Saucer champion with Brady Doyle, Kent MacDonald and Ryan MacLeod.

Campbell also won with Jetster (1:56.1) for trainer Stanley Harper and newcomer Cabot Beach (1:55.1) for a training double from the Brent Campbell stable. In pursuit of his 14^th season as top driver at Red Shores Charlottetown, Marc Campbell now sits six wins back in the driving standings in second place with 109 wins in 2023 behind 115 race winner Jason Hughes. 

Mr Rielly delivered as the post time favourite in the $2,600 race 14 finale with a 1:56.3 score for trainer-driver Corey MacPherson. 

Live racing continues Sunday afternoon at 1 P.M. for the final day of the season at Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway. For a complete racing schedule and more go to Redshores.ca.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Oakes, for Red Shores