Stunning Speed headlines McGuigan's stakes double

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – The Mike McGuigan Stable collected a pair of Home Hardware Maritime Breeders harness racing victories Thursday evening as five stakes divisions headlined the 14-race program at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

Stunning Speed ($3.10) delivered the fastest stakes mile of the night in the $15,150 two-year-old trotting colt division in race 12. McGuigan moved his trainee to the front before the half and held off Shoe Dog Speed (Paul Langille) by three-quarters of a length in 2:00.3. Earl Speed (Jason Hughes) finished third. Little Pond Stables of Little Pond and The Coles Stable of Charlottetown own the Muscle Through It-Stunning Look colt.

McGuigan also used a pocket trip to win the $19,500 three-year-old trotting colt division with Hoponarocket ($4.50) in race 7. West River Karuna (Clare MacDonald) led through fractions of 29.3, 59.4 and 1:29.4 before Hoponarocket surged past for a half-length victory in 2:01.3. Howmac Prime Time (Marc Campbell) was third. McGuigan trains the E L Rocket-Hop Up gelding for Valleygrove Farms of Kelvin Grove.

Bonmati ($2.70) dominated the $19,500 three-year-old trotting filly division in race 9, drawing away by 13 lengths in 2:02.1 for driver Corey MacPherson. The daughter of E L Rocket-Glidetowin carved out fractions of 30.3, 1:02.4 and 1:33 before closing in 29.1 for owner-trainer Blayne White of South Pinette. Emberlees Rocket (Campbell) finished second ahead of Roseys El Girl (Ken Murphy).

Early Speed ($13.70) landed the $15,150 two-year-old trotting filly division in race 6 for driver Myles Heffernan Sr. The Muscle Through It-Your Word Is Good filly followed Howmac Limerick (Hughes) before pulling away to win by two-and-three-quarter lengths in 2:08.1. Mile Hill Emmylou (Gilles Barrieau) completed the triactor. Myles Heffernan Jr. of Summerville owns and trains the winner.

I Dream Of Muscles ($3.30) captured the other $15,150 two-year-old trotting colt division in race 10 for owner-trainer-driver Jim Ripley of Amherst, N.S. The Muscle Through It-Rich Dreams gelding led throughout, holding off Smokin Rocket (MacPherson) by a neck in 2:06.1. Belinki (Darrell Neill) was third.

Murphy led all drivers with three victories. Fern Hill Luna ($3.30) romped by 16 lengths in 2:01.4 for owner-trainer Joe Baxter of Kensington, while Camco Laraido ($2.40) won in 2:03 for trainer Mario Macri and owner Leah Ann Moyer of Summerside.

Murphy completed his triple with Sweet Molly ($2.30), who edged Woodmere Kennedie by a nose in the finale in 1:56.2. Mike Ramsay trains the mare for Clair Murphy of Millvale, Derrill Murphy of Lethbridge, Alta., and Cindy MacLean of Charlottetown.

Live racing continues Saturday at 12:30 P.M. at Red Shores Charlottetown. For more go to Redshores.ca.

To view Thursday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results – Charlottetown Driving Park.

by Nicholas Oakes, for Red Shores