SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — The finest pacers to grace the Eastern seaboard of Canada will lock bridles Sunday afternoon while vying for a spot in the 52nd edition of the Governor’s Plate at Red Shores at Summerside Raceway.
The 10-dash program has a 1 p.m. start time, with two full fields of eight competing in the $5,000 eliminations of the Governor’s Plate, presented by Summerside Chrysler Dodge. The top four in both eliminations will advance to next Saturday’s (July 11) prestigious final.
The first elimination, in Race 9, has Avatar J the odds-on choice from Post 2 and will team up with the arrival of New Brunswick driver Gilles Barrieau for trainer Danny MacDonald and owners Dean Larkin of Edwards, Ont., and Jody Sanderson of Cornwall.
Screen Test has knocked off the preferred pacers twice so far since the resumption of racing in June and will leave from Post 5 for driver Corey MacPherson.
Euchred stands undefeated on the East Coast in 2020, including a 1:54.2 scorching performance over Truro Raceway in Nova Scotia on June 26. Redmond Doucet will drive the Walter Walker-trainee from the outside Post 8.
Also in the first elimination are Mantario (to be driven by Kenny Arsenault), Shadow Of A Daut (David Dowling), Soccer Hanover (Adam Merner), Time To Dance (Marc Campbell) and Woodmere Ideal Art (Robert Laffin).
Defending Governor’s Plate-champion Rose Run Quest and trainer-driver Marc Campbell have rail control in the second $5,000 elimination in the Race 10 finale. The Blair Hansen-owned pacer has consistently been at the top end of competition on the East Coast since coming to P.E.I. in 2017. Simple Kinda Man knocked off the preferred class last week for his first East Coast victory since relocating from the United States. Jason Hughes will drive the former $200,200 Battle Of Waterloo winner from Post 5 for trainer Chris MacKay. Gold Cup and Saucer finalist Lisburn will leave from Post 4 with Arsenault at the lines after knocking on the door at the preferred level in the last two weeks.
Rounding out the field are Hes Marvalous (Myles Heffernan Sr.), Bugsy Maguire (Brodie MacPhee), Mick Dundee (Don MacNeill), Rockin Indy (Merner) and Silver Beast (Dowling).
For live video, race programs and more go to Redshores.ca and wager online at HPIBet.com.
Compiled by Nicholas Oakes for Red Shores.
