Charlottetown, PE – Only four more to go. That's how many race dates remain to determine the top harness racing driver of 2015 at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park. The Saturday afternoon program features 16 races with first race post time scheduled at 12:30pm.
Marc Campbell and Jason Hughes continue to battle for the most wins on the season with Campbell leading by two wins over Hughes at 108 to 106, respectively. Hughes has a good chance to catch the leader with Campbell out of action for the next two weeks. This story played out last year when the two pilots battled right to the very last race on New Year's Eve to end the season tied.
All Turain is listed as the 5-2 choice on the morning line in the afternoon's featured event in race 15. Corey MacPherson will be in the race bike for trainer Trevor Hicken and owner Lee Hicken, Charlottetown, PE. The pacer was roughed up last week but race analyst Les MacIsaac has him as the one to beat from post 6. "His winning streak came to an end last week and the trip over the heavy track was a contributing factor," said MacIsaac. "There's no guarantee it will be any easier (Saturday) but he still deserves top billing the way he is racing." The other Hicken trainee, Painted Desert, will leave from post two for Mark Bradley while last week's winner Forever Paradise comes from the five hole for catch-driver Walter Cheverie.
The line-up also includes Smiley Bayama, a back to back winner, for Ron Gass, First Art Down gets the rail for Kenny Murphy and Darren Crowe is in town to drive Truro's top gun Mach Wheel from post 4.
Cheverie gets another live drive aboard Best Risque in the mares open in race 8 as the mare goes for her 11th win of the season and 45th lifetime score for trainer Brian Ladner. Cheverie could land a triple if he can beat top contenders Holy Molie Maggie (Gary Chappell) and Osprey Impact (Corey MacPherson) with Caliban Hanover in the open trot.
Live racing continues Saturday December 19 and the Boxing Day card on December 26. Post time is 12:30pm. The New Year's Eve live racing presentation has a 7pm post time.
For entries, race programs and live broadcast go to www.redshores.ca
By Lee Drake
