Atlantic Sires Stakes action at Summerside

SUMMERSIDE, PE – Harness racing trainer Earl Smith has developed a brigade of Atlantic Champions in his career and Fern Hill General will start his quest to become the next one Thursday evening in Atlantic Sires Stakes action at Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway.

The Western oval will host a 10-dash program getting underway at 6:30 P.M., as Governor’s Plate Week racing continues with the Atlantic Sires Stakes for two-year-old pacing colts.

The first A-division of the season for rookie pacing colts carries a $16,420 purse in race 6 with Fern Hill General leaving from post 3 for driver Brodie MacPhee, trainer Smith and owners Peter Smith of Stratford and Gerald Morrissey of Vernon River.

The son of Malicious – Noble Ellen was impressive in his qualifier, winning in 2:00.4 with a 27.4 closing panel. His stablemate, JJ Xavier, has rail control with Mark Bradley in the bike while other top entries include Woodmere Bankroll (To be driven by Mike McGuigan) and Rollwithhottytoddy (Gilles Barrieau).

The Backstretch Beat in Thursday’s card has Fern Hill General selected on top of the ticket.

“Fern Hill General looked awesome in his qualifier going gate to wire and firing home in a snappy 27.4. It was a great effort and if he does that again don’t be shocked to see him smiling for the camera.”

The second split is in race 8 with Alldawaytocardigan leaving from post 3 for the team of driver Myles Heffernan Sr., trainer Myles Heffernan Jr., and owner Jackie Heffernan of Summerville. The son of Tobago Cays was a 1:59.2 qualifying winner in Charlottetown.

His chief rivals are slated to be Stash It Away (Barrieau) and St Charlesfireball (Marc Campbell). The program also has a pair of $3,000 B-divisions for two-year-old colt pacers in races 2 and 4.

Catch the action live at the track or watch the worldwide broadcast at Redshores.ca or on the Red Shores Youtube channel. Onsite wagering is available starting at 12 P.M. on race day at Red Shores locations or at HPIBet.com.
by Nicholas Oakes, for Red Shores