CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — In a field of all Maritime-connected horses and in front of a crowd of just a few hundred, Time To Dance led at every call to give a pair of lifelong friends all the glory in the 61st running of The Guardian Gold Cup and Saucer early Sunday morning at Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
“It’ll sink in tomorrow,” driver Marc Campbell said in the early minutes of Sunday after Time To Dance sprinted to the lead and closed out the mile in 1:51.4 over the historic oval.
Lisburn (Kenny Arsenault) sat second for the mile to finish in the place position while the first Island-bred horse to be in the race in more than a decade, Woodmere Ideal Art (David Dowling), rallied for third.
Simple Kinda Man (Jason Hughes) was fourth, while fellow Campbell-trainee Rose Run Quest (Gilles Barrieau) finished fifth. Father Ofthe Year (Mike Downey) finished sixth with Screen Test (Corey MacPherson) seventh and Casimir Richie P (Dale Spence) eighth.
Campbell, who has won the race twice before (2013 and 2015) as a catch driver for trainer Ron Burke of Pennsylvania, was celebrating his first Gold Cup and Saucer victory as a trainer for owners Brent Campbell of Charlottetown and Matthew McDonald of Edwards, Ont.
Leaving from Post 2 in the $60,000 Gold Cup and Saucer final, with a greatly reduced crowd at the track due to COVID-19 health restrictions, Time To Dance left hard to pace around Post 1 starter Lisburn and keep heavily favoured Casimir Richie P to the outside in the first turn. Time To Dance tripped the first quarter in a scorching 26.2, with Casimir Richie P caught out behind him.
“I didn’t think I could beat Lisburn off the gate,” said Marc Campbell, the 35-year-old Winsloe native. “I timed the gate perfect. … I got a jump on Lisburn. I cleared pretty quick with full intentions of stretching (Casimir Richie P) out and letting him go. I thought Dale was going to come to me early, but I don’t know what happened in the middle of the turn. He was right there and then he never really got to my wheel.”
While he assumed the fate of Casimir Richie P was sealed, Campbell knew he still needed to rate some fractions to keep his horse fresh for the final sprint home and fend off the talented field behind him. The half was reached in 54.1 with three-quarters tripped in 1:23.3 without a serious challenge.
“I knew there were some pretty good horses behind me, including my other horse (Rose Run Quest). My horse still had momentum. I knew I was OK, but I was still waiting to see who would come flying out of everywhere.”
A look from the tarmac. pic.twitter.com/4cFg2zxbI1
— Guardian Sports (@SportsGuardian) August 23, 2020
While the race didn’t draw its normal field of horses from Ontario and the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. due to travel restrictions, Campbell said the local field added an extra layer of excitement for all the local connections. The O’Brien-award winning horseman said while the fans love seeing the big-name horses come from outside the region, there is something to be said for the money remaining in the Maritimes as an incentive for local owners to invest in high-quality stock, resulting in more evenly matched finals.
“You look when the odds came out after post parade, there wasn’t a single horse that was paying over 13-1. So, you knew it was pretty competitive.”
Brent Campbell, 32, was still in shock after winning Atlantic Canadian racing’s biggest prize with his best friend in the driver’s seat.
“It’s crazy, just crazy,” Brent said. “To do this with my best friend Marc, from racing in Pinette to racing the bottom class in Charlottetown to this.”
Brent and McDonald claimed the horse for $18,750 in Ontario in January. At the time, beating a Woodbine open pacer like Casimir Riche P in the Gold Cup and Saucer final wasn’t a consideration.
“We thought we might have a nice horse to race Saturdays in Charlottetown and pace 1:55,” Brent chuckled. “But Robert Shepherd said before we claimed him that he is a beast off the front, and he was tonight.”
Time To Dance entered Gold Cup Week Racing with 11 lifetime wins and a career-best time of 1:53.2. He then won Trial 1 in 1:52.4 and beat that time again seven days later in the biggest race of the season in Atlantic Canada.
Brent said the plan is to race out the invitational circuit in the Maritimes for the duration of the season then give the horse a well-deserved rest for the winter. The co-owner wished his grandfather, Larry Campbell, could have been there to see Time To Dance’s performance.
“My grandfather and my uncle Ned Linden in Fredericton would have been over the moon if they were here,” Brent said. “Last year was a tough year. We lost my grandfather and my dad (Richard) had a pile of health problems. To bounce back in 2020, this horse means a lot to my father. I always wanted to have one good enough to be in the trials and maybe be in the final, but I didn’t think it would be this horse, this year.”
While there is sure to be other races on the horizon, Brent can’t see any win coming close to this one.
“This tops it off. I said to Marc, ‘I don’t know what we’re going to do next’ but I guess we don’t have to do anything. This is it for the Maritimes.”
News and notes:
• Ambassador Meranda Hendricken was victorious in her second year involved in The Guardian Gold Cup and Saucer race. The Blooming Point native was one of the women called back to the 2020 event. She previously represented second-place finisher Somewhere Fancy in the 2019 running of the race. Hendricken will be entering her fourth year of applied sciences in radiography at UPEI this fall.
• Gilles Barrieau won the Francis McIsaac memorial trophy for top driver of the week while David Dowling was the top percentage driver. It was Barrieau's sixth McIsaac memorial win.
CDP Results
Harness racing results from Saturday at Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
Evening
Race 1 – Spack Jarrow (C. MacPherson) 2.60 2.90 2.10; Desired Treasure (G. Hennessey) 4.80 3.30; The Ironman (K. Murphy) 3.90.
Times: 28, 57.1, 1:28.2, 1:57.3. Also ran: Ki,ball B, Electric Syl, Jetta Flys, Giant Slayer. Winning horse owned by Mike Slana, Belfast. Exactor 5-2 $6.90; Triactor 5-2-3 $29.60; Superfecta 5-2-3-1 $59.50.
Race 2 – Distinctiv Rusty (R. Doucet) 5.10 2.60 2.90; Tobinator (C. MacPherson) 2.50 2.20; Arnoldthepaperboy (K. Arsenault) 2.90.
Times: 28.1, 58, 1:27.1, 1:56.4. Also ran: Vegas Rich, Bobjohnski, Lincoln Seelster, J K Cowboy. Winning horse owned by Andrea and Ryder Matthews Rennison, Nova Scotia. Exactor 6-2 $9.90; Triactor 6-2-1 $28.80; Superfecta 6-2-1-7 $50.40.
Race 3 – Temagami Seelster (Bro. MacPhee) 3.50 2.40 2.40; Seethelightsngo (D. Dowling) 2.80 2.40; Elm Grove Misty (D.B. Kelly) 5.00.
Times: 29.1, 58.2, 1:27.1, 1:56. Also ran: What A Babe, Southern Heart, Khitam Image, Jens Credit, Bellafornow. Winning horse owned by David Mercer, Wayne McGean and Joseph Lewis, Nova Scotia. Exactor 2-1 $7.20; Triactor 2-1-5 $65.10; Superfecta 2-1-5-3 $113.
Race 4 – Persist Blue Chip (J. Hughes) 15.40 6.70 4.80; Arrived Late (Bro. MacPhee) 6.60 4.80; Silverhill Buddy (D. Dowling) 2.70.
Times: 27.4, 57.1, 1:27, 1:56.4. Also ran: Tempo Seelster, Smiley Bayama, Bettors Pride, Shiftyn Georgie, Ten Mile Beach. Winning horse owned by Saul Lanigan, Montague. Exactor 4-3 $215.80; Triactor 4-3-8 $902.10.
Race 5 – Jeb (J. Hughes) 5.40 2.80 2.10; Filly Forty Seven (Ma. Campbell) 2.70 2.40; Bugger Max (Bro. MacPhee) 2.70.
Times: 28.2, 58.1, 1:27.1, 1:55.1. Also ran: Ashes To Ashes, Brandons Glory, Flash In The Pang. Winning horse owned by Robi Hughes, Blair and Eric MacLauchlan, P.E.I. Exactor 2-4 $11.10; Triactor 2-4-1 $41; Superfecta 2-4-1-3 $63.10.
Race 6 – Mile Hill Willie (G. Barrieau) 4.40 2.60 2.40; Hop Up (C. MacPherson) 4.50 5.50; Glider Man (K. Arsenault) 5.10.
Times: 29.1, 57, 1:26.3, 1:56.3. Also ran: Daisy River, Freddie, Majian Tango, Star Photo, Summit City Nate. Winning horse owned by John Breau, New Brunswick, and Paul Mirrosin, P.E.I. Exactor 3-7 $12.10; Triactor 3-7-2 $129; Superfecta 3-7-2-1 $233.
Race 7 – Cowboy Logic (S. Shepherd) 4.00 2.80 2.10; Eagle Jolt (Ma. Campbell) 5.70 4.90; Lively Freddie (R. Doucet) 2.40.
Times: 29, 58.1, 1:27.1, 1:55.1. Also ran: Miss Sangria, Howmac Magic, Bank Of Dad. Winning horse owned by Maurice McCabe, Gerard Ellsworth, Harold Shepherd and Angus Birt, P.E.I. Exactor 4-2 $16; Triactor 4-2-1 $48.60; Superfecta 4-2-1-3 $121.40.
Race 8 – Misty Memory N (J. Hughes) 3.50 2.70 2.10; Ashestodiamonds (D. Crowe) 24.80 4.50; Much Adoo (G. Barrieau) 2.70.
Times: 28.2, 58.3, 1:26.4, 1:54.4. Also ran: Pickpocketprincess, Collective Wisdom, Better Be In Love, Traces Of Purple. Winning horse owned by Donald MacRae, P.E.I., Yves Sarazin, and Allard Racing Inc., Quebec. Exactor 3-7 $84.90; Triactor 3-7-4 $194.80; Superfecta 3-7-4-1 $368.10.
Race 9 – Imalookertoo (Ma. Campbell) 3.30 2.10 2.10; Windemere Frank (D. Dowling) 2.50 2.20; Little Manny (S. Trites) 3.10.
Times: 28.2, 57.3, 1:27.2, 1:55.2. Also ran: Windemere Ryan, J J Austin, Here Comes Red, Mall Cop. Winning horse owned by Robert Sumarah, Halifax. Exactor 3-6 $6.90; Triactor 3-6-1 $30; Superfecta 3-6-1-7 $36.65.
Race 10 – Silver Beast (D. Spence) 4.20 3.10 2.20; Miss Kabana (Bro. MacPhee) 5.70 8.50; Phil Dorleans (J. Hughes) 3.00.
Times: 27.4, 56.4, 1:25, 1:54.4. Also ran: Sports Royalty, Zero Rate, Power Of A Cruiser, Likely To Win. Winning horse owned by Island Silver Stables, Kelvin Grove. Exactor 4-2 $30.20; Triactor 4-2-1 $68.30; Superfecta 4-2-1-5 $195.60.
Race 11 – Rockin Indy (C. MacPherson) 5.40 3.00 2.30; Pillage And Burn (Bro. MacPhee) 15.30 4.50; Intended Royalty (R. Doucet) 2.10.
Times: 27.4, 57.1, 1:27.1, 1:55.1. Also ran: Mick Dundee, Mystery Phil, Nogreatmischief. Winning horse owned by Troy Murray, Clyde River. Exactor 1-3 $56.60; Triactor 1-3-6 $158.60; Superfecta 1-3-6-2 $191.80.
Race 12 – Tobins Rebel (G. Barrieau) 3.10 2.30 2.40; The Big Chase (C. MacPherson) 3.80 2.90; Nothing to Prove (Ma. Campbell) 3.00.
Times: 27.2, 56.1, 1:25.2, 1:54.3. Also ran: Windemere Albert, Mr Kelly, Woodmere Rollnpop, Egamer. Winning horse owned by Dan Ross, Belfast. Exactor 5-1 $9; Triactor 5-1-3 $158.85; Superfecta 5-1-3-2 $158.85.
Race 13 – Dreamfair Zenfire (J. Hughes) 25.30 8.90 3.20; Arc Light (Ma. Campbell) 2.70 2.40; Berazzled (D. Dowling) 2.80.
Times: 29, 58.1, 1:26.3, 1:55.1. Also ran: Jordies Hope, Lyons Jennielee, Sophist, Falls Creek. Winning horse owned by Ryan and Everett MacLeod, P.E.I. Exactor 5-3 $66.90; Triactor 5-3-7 $163.60; Superfecta 5-3-7-2 $287.90.
Race 14 – Time To Dance (Ma. Campbell) 6.90 4.60 3.50; Lisburn (K. Arsenault) 8.00 7.40; Woodmere Ideal Art (D. Dowling) 10.30.
Times: 26.2, 54.1, 1:23.3, 1:51.4. Also ran: Simple Kinda Man, Rose Run Quest, Father Of the Year, Screen Test, Casimir Richie P. Winning horse owned by Brent Campbell, P.E.I., and Matthew MacDonald, Ontario. Exactor 2-1 $50.70; Triactor 2-1-5 $627.80; Superfecta 2-1-5-7 $1,655.20; DD 5-2 $20.10.
Wager – $184,274.
***
Afternoon
Race 1 – (K. Arsenault) 3.90 3.20 2.40; Bad Silver (A. Merner) 4.00 3.30; I Can Do It (J. Hughes) 3.50.
Times: 28.1, 58.2, 1:27.4, 1:58. Also Ran: Bayside Alexis, C L La Rousse, Anzula, Cougar Gal.
Winning horse owned by Patricia Mclean and Doug Sanders, Nova Scotia, and Jeff Lilley and Blair Maclauchlan, P.E.I. Exactor 6-1 $20.00; Triactor 6-1-2 $128.80; Superfecta 6-1-2-7 $149.85.
Race 2 – RollingLikeARiver (K. Murphy) 3.60 3.20 2.30; DC Hammering Hank (D. Kelly) 6.60 3.60; Tribal Sport (V. Doyle) 9.50.
Times: 30.1, 1:01.2, 1:31.3, 2:01.1. Also Ran: Willie Brennan, Very Well Done, Rollem N Throwem, Woodmere Beachline. Winning horse owned by Scott Dunn, P.E.I. Exactor 8-1 $17.50; Triactor 8-1-5 $118.60; 8-1-5-7 $357.
Race 3 – Labero (G. Barrieau) 4.60 2.70 4.00; Suicide Shift (S. Shepherd) 7.00 12.40; Osprey Delta (P. Larrabee) 5.40.
Times: 29.1, 59.0, 1:29.4, 1:59.2. Also Ran: Sailor Blue, Little Miss Winnie, Whim Road Gem. Winning horse owned by Donna Van Meer, Ontario. Exactor 1-6 $213.40; Triactor 1-6-3 $470.30; Superfecta 1-6-3-5 $172.33.
Race 4 – Saulsbrook Rocky (E. Smith) 15.00 3.60 2.40; Red Dirt FulOfHart (B. MacPhee) 4.80 2.80; Rest Assured (G. Barrieau) 2.30.
Times: 28.2, 56.2, 1:26.2, 1:56.1. Also Ran: Manlicious, Woodmere Rollhario, Oh No, Lord And Legend, TheyCallMeDude. Winning horse owned by Next Generation Stable, P.E.I. Exactor 3-2 $58.10; Triactor 3-2-1 $178.30; 3-2-1-5 $85.25.
Race 5 – Setting Day (K. Arsenault) 3.20 2.10 2.10; Mr Caper (M. Campbell) 2.50 2.10; Professor Gordon (A. Merner) 2.30.
Times: 29.2, 59.1, 1:29.4, 2:00.4. Also Ran: GotToGitMeSum, Supreme Monarch. Winning horse owned by James Whelan, P.E.I. Exactor 4-2 $4.30; Triactor 4-2-5 $9.50; Superfecta 4-2-5-1 $10.70.
Race 6 – JJ Patrick (C. MacPherson) 7.10 3.50 2.30; Whims Drop Off (A. Merner) 4.10 2.40; BrutusTheBarbarian (D. Crowe) 2.10.
Times: 29.3, 59.1, 1:27.4, 1:56.3. Also Ran: Kick The Dirt Up, MaliciousDelicious, Elm Grove OnTheGo, Watts Of Attitude. Winning horse owned by Marc Gallant, P.E.I. Exactor 2-1 $16.60; Triactor 2-1-3 $64.30; Superfecta 2-1-3-7 $93.05.
Race 7 – You Aint Dolly (M. Bradley) 8.50 4.00 2.60; Brief Interlude (R. Doucet) 4.80 2.90; Tell Me Why (C. MacPherson) 5.60.
Times: 28.2, 57.0, 1:28, 1:57.4. Also Ran: Ezra Express, Jays Little Spark, Bettim Jenny, Scoot Out Of Here, Howmac Missy. Winning horse owned by Kelsey Curran, P.E.I., and David Amadio, Nova Scotia. Exactor 4-5 $22.20; Triactor 4-5-8 $230.80; Superfecta 4-5-8-1 $260.28.
Race 8 – Woodmere Rollex (B. MacPhee) 6.70 3.40 2.10; Outrageous Story (G. Barrieau) 3.20 2.20; NotYourTypicalMan (D. Dowling) 2.20.
Times: 28.1, 57.0, 1:26.4, 1:56.1. Also Ran: Oceanview Lucky, Willys Roadhouse, Krispy Krunch, The Fox, TastesLikeAnother. Winning horse owned by David Lund, New Brunswick. Exactor 6-2 $16.10; Triactor 6-2-1 $26.90; Superfecta 6-2-1-3 $45.70.
Race 9 – Soccer Hanover (C. MacPherson) 3.50 2.50 2.10; Mantario (K. Arsenault) 2.90 2.10; RollWithItHarry (G. Barrieau) 2.80.
Times: 28.3, 57.1, 1:26, 1:53.4. Also Ran: Hunger Pangs, Three Truths. Winning horse owned by Leith, Leslie and Spencer Waite, P.E.I. Exactor 1-4 $14.30; Triactor 1-4-2 $27.60; Superfecta 1-4-2-3 $27.50.
Race 10 – Southwind Ion (D. Dowling) 4.60 3.10 2.60; Medici Hanover (J. Hughes) 4.20 5.90; Good Luck Kathy (E. Smith) 2.90.
Times: 28.4, 58.1, 1:27.2, 1:55.4. Also Ran: The Time To Win, Dreas Good Powow, Dorabella, PayTheLineBlueChip, Dueling Banjos.Winning horse owned by Jennifer Doyle and Danny Birt, P.E.I. Exactor 6-2 $59.70; Triactor 6-2-4 $125.60; Superfecta 6-2-4-8 $211.45; Daily Double 1-6 $5.80.
Wager – $50,127.
