CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – Driver Simon Allard had a game plan for The Guardian Gold Cup and Saucer Trial 1 and it all went perfectly to plan Saturday night at Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park (CDP) as part of Old Home Week racing.
At the lines of Somewhere Fancy, Allard sent his charge off the gate from Post 3 in the $12,500 trial to make front and force race favourite Rockin In Heaven (J. Harris) into the two-hole. Somewhere Fancy went through comfortable fractions in the first half of 28.1 and 57.1 then started to push on the throttle at the three-quarters of 1:25.3 while fighting off the first-over advance of Paparazzi Hanover (Travis Cullen). With Rockin In Heaven still fresh in the two-hole, Allard completely depressed the throttle for the fastest closing quarter in CDP history with a 26.1 final panel for a mile in 1:51.4 for the victory.
“I knew I had the inside of Rockin In Heaven so if I could put him somewhere else other than the front than maybe I could beat him,” Allard said in the winner’s circle. “I was able to rate some cheap fractions, which was good because nobody wants to go to crazy tonight. We want to keep our horses sharp for the final. He kicked home all on his own. He was awesome.”
Rockin In Heaven finished second with Fool Me Once (Robert Shepherd) finishing third and locally owned Rose Run Quest (Marc Campbell) earning the final spot in the $60,000 final. The other four spots will be decided Monday night in trial 2.
Somewhere Fancy is trained by the driver’s brother, top North American trainer Rene Allard and owned by John Mehlenbacher of Oakville, Ont.
Not knowing where Somewhere Fancy will draw for Saturday’s prestigious final, Allard was hesitant to make any plans.
“Any race you need to be ready to go around any obstacles,” the winner of 3,400 races and $32 million said. “Especially this final, it is kind of crazy every year. Whatever happens, happens. He’s a very handy horse and for a Somebeachsomewhere he is very calm. I think he is going to be real calm for that long post parade. He is a very smart horse.”
Rene Allard has won the final twice before, with Bigtown Hero in 2014 and Ys Lotus in 2016, but never with Simon Allard in the race bike. A leading driver at Pocono Down in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Allard has not been a regular at Old Home Week racing in recent years after being in the final multiple times while still based in Canada.
“We race for so much money in Pennsylvania. This week you miss out on so much money being here. It was great to see Rene win this race and for Louis (Phillipe Roy) to win with Ys Lotus, that win was huge for his career. I have a lot going on in Pennsylvania and I’m proud of what we do. This year my whole family is here and we have a cottage. We’ll try and get the job done at the end of the week.”
Undercard
Also on the Saturday evening program, Do Over Hanover hit the winner’s circle in the $5,000 Atlantic Canada invitational pace in 1:53.1 to give driver Jason Hughes his fastest career victory. Second went to Euchred (Adam Merner) while Tobinator (Corey MacPherson) completed the triactor.
Afternoon
The Atlantic Sires Stakes for three-year-old pacing fillies was featured on the Saturday afternoon program with Bettim Jackie winning the fastest $13,300 A-split in 1:55.2 with Robert Shepherd picking up the catch-driving call for trainer Jeff Lilley. Tobins Terror (Gary Chappell) was second with R Es Shabla (Mike McGuigan) third.
The other $13,300 A-division was captured by Royaltywestho in 1:56.3 for driver Walter Cheverie and trainer Joe Baxter over Chocolate Terror (Darren Crowe) and Maybeitsmaybelline (Kenny Arsenault).
Results
A look at the order of finish and times for The Guardian Gold Cup and Saucer Trial 1.
Somewhere Fancy 1:51.4
Rockin In Heaven 1:51.4
Fool Me Once 1:52.4
Rose Run Quest 1:53.4
Father Ofthe Year 1:54.1
Jackson K Down 1:54.4
Paprazzi Hanover Distanced
CDP Results
Harness racing results from Saturday at Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Saturday evening
Race 1 – Only One Star (G. Barrieau) 2.90 2.70 2.10; Avenue Road Katie (A. Merner) 9.90 4.40; Shes A Lover (R. Chappell) 3.20.
Times: 28.3, 28.1, 128.1, 157.1. Also ran: Atlantic Drive, Howmac Impeccable, Saulsbrook Bailey, Saulsbrook Flicka. Winning horse owned by Dr. Don Ling, P.E.I.; Anthony Stymest and Ken Hardle, Nova Scotia. Exactor 1-7 $18.10; Triactor 1-7-3 $81.50; Superfecta 1-7-3-5 $160.62.
Race 2 – Starcastic (R. Matheson) 4.90 2.80 2.20; Windemere Johny (A. Merner) 7.90 4.50; Stonebridge Grand (G. Barrieau) 2.70.
Times: 28.1, 57.1, 127.1, 157.1. Also ran: Textually Active, Zambuca Gass, Nephin, Hughgetthecredit, D J Supreme. Winning horse owned by Bobbi Jo Matheson and Billy MacKenzie, P.E.I. Exactor 4-2 $31.90; Triactor 4-2-3 $56.60; Superfecta 4-2-3-8 $260.55.
Race 3 – Machinthesand (K. Murphy) 7.00 4.70 3.40; Wether Hanover (G. Barrieau) 2.70 2.40; Three Truths (K. Arseanult) 3.10.
Times: 28.2, 56.2, 126.1, 154.4. Also ran: Jetster, Accelerator, Revenant, Offshore Cowboy, Give Em Heck. Winning horse owned by Noonan Holding Ltd., Summerside. Exactor 2-1 $15.10; Triactor 2-1-3 $50.40; Superfecta 2-1-3-5 $139.55.
Race 4 – Dees Boy (K. Arsenault) 7.20 5.00 2.70; Miramonttogo (D. Neill) 15.20 4.40; Useful Hanover (A. Merner) 3.00.
Times: 29.1, 58.4, 129.4, 200.1. Also ran: Woodmere Soul, All Turain, Twin B Shadow, Manic Hispanic, Just A Professor. Winning horse owned by David Kent, Hunter River. Exactor 2-4 $63.50; Triactor 2-4-6 $441.10; Superfecta 2-4-6-3 $321.64.
Race 5 – Ultimatelyhandsome (R. Shepherd) 18.60 7.30 3.50; Jeb (J. Hughes) 6.50 4.40; Heart And Guts (D. Dowling) 6.10.
Times: 28.3, 58.1, 127.2, 156.1. Also ran: J Rs Hurricane, Artist List, Painted Pony, How Rock Star, Big Surf. Winning horse owned by Ultimate Stable, Greater Lakeburn, N.B. Exactor 7-5 $73.50; Triactor 7-5-4 $1,522.50.
Race 6 – Dividend Day (K. Murphy) 11.60 3.70 3.10; All Out (A. Merner) 2.50 2.80; Rockys World (Ma. Campbell) 2.40.
Times: 30.1, 100.2, 129.4, 158.3. Also ran: White Fish Flash, Brookdale Buster, Giant Slayer, Smiley Bayama, Jds Double Dose. Winning horse owned by Fred Paynter, Debbie and Neal Ramsay, P.E.I. Exactor 1-3 $18.40; Triactor 1-3-2 $58.20; Superfecta 1-3-2-4 $286.45.
Race 7 – Prettyndangerous (T. Cullen) 12.20 5.00 4.70; Sodwana Bay (G. Barrieau) 2.40 2.70; Dustlanemissmolly (M. Heffernan) 6.70.
Times: 28.1, 57.1, 125.4, 154.2. Also ran: Collective Wisdom, Traces Of Purple, Nikes Cowgirl, Ramblinglily. Winning horse owned by Bo Ford and Arnold Myers, Charlottetown. Exactor 3-7 $78.70; Triactor 3-7-6 $815.60; Superfecta 3-7-6-1 $73.15.
Race 8 – Nabber Again (M. McGuigan) 6.70 4.60 2.80; I C True Grit (G. Barrieau) 4.60 3.00; Nogreatmischief (C. Cheverie) 2.60.
Times: 28.1, 57.1, 126.1, 155.2. Also ran: Old Buck, Oh To Be Me, Mister Godro, Instant Shadow, Adkins Hanover. Winning horse owned by Albert MacGillivray, Nova Scotia; John MacGillivray and Joseph Squires, P.E.I. Exactor 1-5 $33.60; Triactor 1-5-2 $84.80; Superfecta 1-5-2-6 $155.10.
Race 9 – Salmonier Storm (A. Campbell) 8.00 5.60 2.60; Culpepper (M. Heffernan) 19.30 3.60; Whitemountain Nemo (S. Allard) 3.00.
Times: 28.3, 56.4, 126.4, 157.1. Also ran: Howmacs Dragonator, Distinctiv Rusty, Zero Rate, One Tough Nerd, Stature Seelster. Winning horse owned by Brian MacPhee, Clyde River. Exactor 3-6 $316.10; Triactor 3-6-2 $869.40; Superfecta 3-6-2-5 $88.37.
Race 10 – Do Over Hanover (J. Hughes) 8.60 2.20 4.20; Euchred (A. Merner) 2.20 2.50; Tobinator (C. MacPherson) 3.00.
Times: 27.1, 55.2, 124.3, 153.1. Also ran: Mr Irresistible, Elm Grove Kaboom, Union Man Hanover, Keep Coming, Sucrose Hanover. Winning horse owned by Red Isle Racing, Donald MacRae, P.E.I.; and Allard Racing, Quebec. Exactor 5-1 $86.60; Triactor 5-1-3 $296.60; Superfecta 5-1-3-8 $118.57.
Race 11 – Red Magician (A. Merner) 6.30 3.30 3.00; Goliath Reigns (D. Spence) 8.60 5.20; Perfect Escape (G. Barrieau) 2.80.
Times: 28.2, 57.1, 126.1, 154.3. Also ran: Mando Fun, Diggin In, Slide Guitar, Stars Above, Rash B Havior. Winning horse owned by Dale and Ronnie Rennie, Elmsdale. Exactor 5-2 $52.40; Triactor 5-2-4 $373.60; Superfecta 5-2-4-6 $306.66.
Race 12 – Somewhere Fancy (S. Allard) 4.60 2.40 2.20; Rockin In Heaven (J. Harris) 2.10 2.10; Fool Me Once (R. Shepherd) 3.30.
Times: 28.1, 57.1, 125.3, 151.4. Also ran: Rose Run Quest, Father Of the Year, Jackson K Down, Paparazzi Hanover. Winning horse owned by John Mehlenbacher, Oakville, Ont. Exactor 3-4 $5.10; Triactor 3-4-2 $17; Superfecta 3-4-2-6 $26.40; DD 5-3 $13.70.
Wager – $76,269.
Saturday afternoon
Race 1 – Saulsbrook Quick (Ma. Campbell) 2.30 2.50 2.10; Mayhem Man (N. Rogers) 3.00 2.20; Miramichi Gouch (R. DesRoche) 3.40.
Times: 28.3, 58.1, 129.1, 158.3. Also ran: Quick Mad, Mach Vegas, C J Bluefin, Eastern Eden. Winning horse owned by Cindy and Joseph Greene, Truro, N.S. Exactor 4-1 $4.90; Triactor 4-1-5 $22.50; Superfecta 4-1-5-7 $102.50.
Race 2 – Silverhill Misty (J. Hughes) 2.80 2.50 2.10; Woodmere Saphrie (G. Barrieau) 4.70 2.50; Kinross Kate (C. MacPherson) 2.10.
Times: 29.2, 100.2, 130.1, 158.2. Also ran:Windmerenoharmdone, Camco Willow, Putnams Spitfire, Which Shui Is Home. Winning horse owned by Kurt Hughes, Stratford. Exactor 3-2 $10.10; Triactor 3-2-6 $22.30; Superfecta 3-2-6-4 $22.50; DD 4-3 $3.40.
Race 3 – Mia Lotta (M. Campbell) 4.90 2.30 2.10; Ultimate Faith (R. DesRoche) 6.70 5.50; R Es Nancy (D. Sweet) 5.30.
Times: 29.1, 59.3, 130.1, 200.2. Also ran: Leda Atomica, Pictonians Derbie, Fleurje, Honor Roll. Winning horse owned by Phillip DesRoches, Coleman. Exactor 2-3 $31.80; Triactor 2-3-4 $157.70; Superfecta 2-3-4-7 $272.65.
Race 4 – Gigolos Rose (J. Hughes) 6.90 5.00 2.80; Scottish Light (N. Rogers) 5.70 3.20; Love In Paradise (D. Dowling) 5.50.
Times: 29.1, 58.1, 128.2, 158.1. Also ran: Evening Maelstrom, Something Royal, Zero Stress Nora, Avondale Shui. Winning horse owned by Ashley Gamester, Hunter River. Exactor 4-1 $25.90; Triactor 4-1-5 $293.50.
Race 5 – Woodmere Finesse (B. McCallum) 2.70 2.10 2.10; Hp Rubis Joyce (G. Barrieau) 2.90 2.70; C L La Rousse (D. Dowling) 8.60.
Times: 29.3, 59.3, 129.1, 157.4. Also ran: Ultimate Flyingnun, Scoot Out Of Here, Always Reese, Badlands Giovanna. Winning horse owned by Edward Mahar, Lower Sackville, N.S. Exactor 2-5 $9; Triactor 2-5-4 $99.90; Superfecta 2-5-4-1 $116.90.
Race 6 – Moramappo (G. Barrieau) 11.10 7.30 3.90; Lornevalleytrinity (M. Heffernan) 9.70 6.80; Elm Grove Maddy (M. Campbell) 4.40.
Times: 28.4, 100.1, 131.1, 201.2. Also ran: Fiftyshadesofgraci, Howmac Blaze, Kant Katch Kaiden, Western Swing, W C Emmastarwalker. Winning horse owned by Downey Stables, Quispamsis, N.B. Exactor 3-2 $119.70; Triactor 3-2-ALL Superfecta 3-2-8-6 $307.85.
Race 7 – Desir Dorleans (D. Spence) 24.20 10.30 5.00; Goodmorning Ky (K. Murphy) 3.60 2.50; Lifeinthecountry (G. Barrieau) 4.00.
Times: 28.1, 59.1, 128.4, 158.1. Also ran: Charlottes Style, Glenview Natalie, Pictonian Sareta, Pia Hanover, Prada Spur. Winning horse owned by Dawn Ellis Abbott, Lower Onslow, N.S. Exactor 2-1 $56.90; Triactor 2-1-6 $743.80; Superfecta 2-1-6-3 $245.19.
Race 8 – Bettim Jackie (R. Shepherd) 4.20 3.70 2.10; Tobins Terror (M. Campbell) 2.90 2.10; R Es Shabla (M. McGuigan) 2.10.
Times: 28.3, 57.4, 126.3, 155.2. Also ran: Woodmere Ceilidh, Elm Grove Misty, Shy Artie, Cherry Pop, Woodmere Chella. Winning horse owned by Danny Purcell, Nova Scotia; Jeffrey Lilley and Blair MacLauchlan, P.E.I. Exactor 6-4 $22.30; Triactor 6-4-1 $36.60; Superfecta 6-4-1-7 $62.90.
Race 9 – Artners In Crime (D. Neill) 12.30 3.30 3.80; Harbourlite Jerry (R. Shepherd) 5.40 4.00; Mach Of Ballykeel (M. Campbell) 3.80.
Times: 28.3, 58.4, 128.3, 157.4. Also ran: Jack Of Clubs, Rising Fella, Brookdale Jim, American Blue Chip, Catch Twenty Two. Winning horse owned by Bobbi Jo Matheson, Charlottetown.
Exactor 3-8 $84.10; Triactor 3-8-5 $358.20; Superfecta 3-8-5-7 $445.72.
Race 10 – Royaltywestho (C. Cheverie) 3.10 2.40 2.10; Chocolate Terror (D. Crowe) 5.50 2.50; Maybeitsmaybelline (K. Arsenault) 3.10.
Times: 28.4, 59.1, 127.4, 156.3. Also ran: Woodmere Wyldstyle, Elm Grove Mistress, Kahlua Morning, Dusty Lane Artiste, Saulsbrook Coral. Winning horse owned by Joseph Baxter and Gregory Francis, Windsor, N.S. Exactor 6-2 $8.60; Triactor 6-2-1 $26.40; Superfecta 6-2-1-5 $17.55; DD 3-6 $31.40.
Wager – $54,073.