Buckhead Ridge headlines Thursday Open Trot

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – Buckhead Ridge will look to continue his stellar season Thursday evening as the top trotters on the East Coast clash at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

The capital oval has a 13-dash presentation starting at 6 P.M., with the $5,500 Open Trot lining up in race 9.

Buckhead Ridge leaves from post 2 with Marc Campbell in the seat for trainer Landon Campbell and owner Brady Doyle of Stratford. The six-year-old son of Nuncio has been a model of consistency in 2026 with five wins, three seconds and two thirds from 10 starts.

The talented trotter enters off a 1:56.1 victory in the $8,000 Island Ocean Trot Series on Aug. 6, where he defeated Fight Song and West River Jet. Buckhead Ridge has also won the Andrew Perry Memorial this season at Summerside and captured the July 2 Open Trot in Charlottetown.

Fight Song will start from post 4 with Jason Hughes driving for trainer Ashley Gamester and owner Donald MacRae of Vernon Bridge. The seven-year-old Kadabra gelding was second to Buckhead Ridge in his latest appearance after winning his previous start in 1:55.3. Fight Song has two wins, four seconds and three thirds from 10 seasonal outings.

Flemsteen has post 3 for driver David Dowling and trainer Jennifer Doyle. The eight-year-old son of Explosive Matter has been a regular presence among the top trotters this season and owns the 1:54.2 track trotting record in Charlottetown.

West River Jet leaves from post 5 for trainer-driver Kenny Arsenault while Camco Laraido has the rail with Ken Murphy driving for trainer Mario Macri. Camco Laraido steps into the Open ranks after winning two of his last three starts, including a 1:59.1 score on Aug. 6.

Another horse entering Thursday in sharp form is Fitness First in the race 12 top pace for $4,750. Corey MacPherson trains and drives the three-year-old daughter of Stay Hungry for owner Jim Gorman of South Melville. Fitness First was a commanding 1:54 winner in her first Charlottetown appearance on Aug. 6 and has four victories from 10 starts this season after competing earlier in the year against stakes company in the United States and Ontario. Her main rivals include Saulsbrook Pika (To be driven by Gilles Barrieau) from post 2 and More Than A Woman (Keith Legge) from post 3.

The Post Time Picks like Fitness First on top.

” Fitness First was sharp in her return to PEI winning by over four lengths and closing in a snappy 28.3. She’s moving up the class ladder for this attempt but coming off that performance we won’t be shocked if she doubles up.”

For more go to Redshores.ca.

by Nicholas Oakes, for Red Shores