Merigo Magic looking to conjure up another victory

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – After capturing the $20,000 P.E.I. free-for-all consolation on Premier’s Cup night, Merigo Magic will look to work his harness racing magic again Sunday afternoon at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

The capital oval has a 14-dash presentation starting at 12:30 P.M., with the $7,150 featured pace in race 13.

Merigo Magic has rail control in the six-horse feature for trainer-driver Adam Merner and owners Mike May, Herman McQuaid and Derrick Cameron of Charlottetown. The five-year-old son of Tobago Cays used a 27.4 closing quarter to reel in Gigis Dream in his latest start, winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.4.

The victory was his fifth of the season and lifted his lifetime earnings to $262,159. Peter MacPhee’s Post Time Picks selects Merigo Magic to double up from the inside starting spot.

“Merigo Magic took advantage of a perfect pocket ride last out reaching up late to get the gold. That was a confidence booster and Merner will have him well placed from the word go so if you don’t want to play the chalk this could be a savvy choice.”

Arbitrage Hanover is the 5-2 morning line favourite from post 4 with Ken Murphy aboard for trainer Clifford Murphy and owners Ken Hardie of Bedford, N.S., and Glenn and Justin Hardie of Middle Sackville, N.S. The Bettors Wish gelding was third in the $50,000 Premier’s Cup final last Saturday, pacing his mile in 1:52.2 behind Mappos Lion and Miki Shan N.

Twin B Tuffenuff (To be driven by Gilles Barrieau) leaves from post 3 for trainer Ron Matheson and owner Patrick Morris of Charlottetown. The veteran son of Rock N Roll Heaven finished fourth in the Premier’s Cup final, just two-and-a-half lengths from the winner.

Completing the field are Malevolent (Paul Langille) from post 2, Air Force Hanover (Corey MacPherson) from post 5 and Gigis Dream (Jason Hughes) from post 6. Air Force Hanover comes into the race off three consecutive victories for the Matheson stable while the Earl Watts trained Gigis Dream will look to turn the tables on Merigo Magic after finishing second to him last week.

Race 10 carries a $5,500 purse with Hunters Hero the morning line favourite from post 5 for trainer-driver Landon Campbell and owner Brady Doyle of Stratford. The Stay Hungry gelding won his latest start in 1:53.4.

Blood Money has the rail with Barrieau driving for trainer Matheson and owner Dr. Mitchell Downey of Saint John, N.B. High Voltage Deo (MacPherson) has post 3 while Bee Two Bee (Hughes) leaves from post 7.

Post Time Picks goes with Blood Money on top in that contest while selecting Fast Louie as the Long Shot Play. Murphy drives Fast Louie from post 6 for trainer Mike Ramsay and owners Max Webster Stable of Inverness, N.S., and Ryan McLaughlin of Cornwall. The Sweet Lou gelding was third to Merigo Magic last Saturday, closing in 27.4 to pace his mile in 1:53.1.

Papis Rocket is the Post Time Picks Most Probable Winner in the $4,950 race 11 pace. Langille drives from post 3 for trainer Ramsay and owners Derrill Murphy, Max Webster Stable, Jennifer Ritchie and Ryan MacLeod. The son of Papi Rob Hanover was a 1:51.4 winner two starts ago before finishing fourth in last week’s P.E.I. free-for-all consolation.

Hound On The Beach (Landon Campbell) has post 2 after a 1:53.2 victory in his last outing, while Bettor Than Spring (Murphy) has rail control and One Wicked Man (Kenny Arsenault) leaves from post 5.

Impeccable Shadow is favoured in the $4,700 race 8 pace for trainer-driver Langille and owners Dale and Ronnie Rennie Inc., and Melissa Rennie. He leaves from post 4 against a field including Jk Last Chance (Arsenault) and Good Omen (MacPherson).

Justcallmedoc is the Post Time Picks Value Play from the rail in race 2 for trainer-driver Keith Ford.

Wager live at the track or on HPIBet.com. For live video, free race programs and more go to Redshores.ca.

by Nicholas Oakes, for Red Shores