The ‘King’ keeps firm grip of throne

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – All the King's horses and all the King's men helped put another large night together again for harness racing driver Marc Campbell Saturday at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

Nicknamed the "King" of the capital oval, Campbell scored six wins on the 10-dash card including the fourth win-in-a-row for talented three-year-old stakes prospect Island Energetic for one of four wins on the card from his own stable. The colt scored in 1:56.2 for trainer-driver Campbell and owners Bernadette Burgess and Grayland Farm of Nova Scotia to remain perfect on the season. Campbell won earlier on the card with fellow trainees Elm Grove Ladyluck in 1:58.4 and Johnny Moe in 2:00.1 then closed the program out with Hickory Chumley 1:59.1. The "King's" other winner's circle visits came aboard Yankee No More in 2:01.1 for trainer Darren Smith of Rocky Point and Rustlemewithevny in 2:01 for conditioner Neil Bambrick of Charlottetown.

Mr Irresistible gained the lead in the ongoing grudge match with Adkins Hanover in the $2,250 preferred pace. Adkins Hanover made a break at the start but still managed to find himself on front after fractions of 28.3, 57.1 and 1:26.2 before succumbing to pressure late to finish fifth and subsequently be placed sixth for an extended break. Mr Irresistible was able to pick up all the pieces to score a 1:56.1 win for driver Jason Hughes, trainer Jennifer Trainor and owner Danny Birt of Stratford. Second place went to Junebugs Baby (Myles Heffernan) with Starcastic (Brian MacPhee) rounding out the $328.90 triactor.

Also on the card, Thebestofme was a winner in 1:59.4 to give new owner Megan Lewis of St. Peter's Bay, who co-owns with sister Mallory Lewis, her first career victory. Gary Chappell drove the grey pacer for trainer Kyle Wilkie.

By Nicholas Oakes For Red Shores