The horses have been determined for the Maritime Breeders finals after the eliminations were staged Saturday at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
BNGS Express, with Danny Romo in the bike, won his assignment in 1:56.3 turning back Pictonian Edge for the victory. Putnams Legacy was third with Proven Desire moving to the final next week.
Dixieland Band, trained by Kevin MacLean and driven by Gilles Barrieau, won the second colt division to earn a berth in the final, stopping the timer in a dazzling 1:56.2. Ultimatelyhandsome was the runner-up with JJ Romeo third and Arnold Dick moving on to the big showdown Saturday.
Miss Oromocto was victorious in the fillies division tripping the timer in 2:00 flat for driver Mark Haig. Woodmere Dancenart was second with Invader M and Swift Taylor moving on.
Jann Down gave Gilles Barrieau a driving double when she claimed the second filly elimination in 1:59.2. Elm Grove Joanette and Wrynfrith completed the triactor ticket. Pictonian Stardust finished fourth, but was placed seventh for interference so Pictonian Swifty gets to go for the big money on the ruling.
MacLean picked up a training double when Forever Paradise won the top class for Marc Campbell in 1:57.1. The Reg MacPherson-owned pacer beat Cabo Pan Lucas by a head for his third win of 2015. Tempo Seelster was third.
Team Matheson, with driver Ron and trainer Jackie, made two trips to the winner’s circle with Starcastic, owned by Bobbi Jo Gaudet and Billy MacKenzie, while Gaudet's Artners In Crime paved the way for another trackside photo in the finale.
The wager was $48,766.62.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park.
(Red Shores)