CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – The first card of the 2017 harness racing season is set for Saturday at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park. Post time is 12:30pm.

Forever Paradise, last week's top class winner, will have to maneuver from post 7 in the $2,100 event on race 14. The Kevin MacLean trainee is fresh off defeating the streaking Drivingthedragon N in New Year's Eve action at the capital oval. Drivingthedragon N is absent this week, giving the classifier's nod to Forever Paradise with driver Corey MacPherson and owners Reg MacPherson, David MacKenzie of Stratford and Aaron MacKenzie of Winsloe.

It will not be all open road for Forever Paradise as Rash B Havior has been on top of his game and gets the services of Ken Murphy this week as well as the backing of race analyst Les MacIsaac.

"He was forced to come first up just past the half last week and he simply ran out of steam late," MacIsaac said. "He's got a dangerous closing burst and if he can stay on the pylons until the top of the stretch and then get clear sailing, beware."

Other entries include D Bs Rosco (Kenny Arsenault), Jetster (Jason Hughes), Doing Some Damage (Adam Merner), Woodmere Articblue (Marc Campbell) and I D K (Vincent Poulton).

The afternoon trot class has the Arsenault duo of Frill Seeker (driven by Arsenault) from post 7 along with Howmacs Pride (Gordie Hennessey) with post 5. Holy Molie Maggie will attempt to play spoiler for driver Gary Chappell but will have to overcome post 8 to accomplish the goal.

Campbell lead all drivers in 2016 but the slate has been wiped clean. He will look to retake his top spot amongst drivers with the help of Eagle Jolt in the race 15 finale back-up pace. Eagle Jolt will face a field of eight pacers including Smiley Bayama (MacPherson) and Pictonian Storm (Wade Sorrie).

A special trackside presentation will take place after race 1 for the winners in the Trainer-Driver Challenge. Customers will also be treated to second chance draws with the Wild Horses tag tickets.

For race programs, top picks and live broadcast go to www.redshores.ca

By Nicholas Oakes For Red Shores