New Legacy served notice last week that he intends to be top dog in the Open Trot in 2023 and will have another chance to prove it on Thursday evening at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
The Capital oval has an 11-dash presentation set for a 6 p.m. start on Thursday with the Open Trot slated as Race 9 for a $3,100 purse.
New Legacy has the outside post six in the field with the red-hot Adam Merner in the seat for trainer Colin Johnson and owners Debbie Element, Don MacNeill and Matt and David Burke. The Father Patrick five-year-old dominated his foes in his first Atlantic Canadian start last week after shipping in from Monticello Raceway in New York and is the morning line favourite again this week.
Jessiejesorjessica was the runner-up to New Legacy on their May 11 start and keeps the partnership with driver Gilles Barrieau for conditioner Jennifer Doyle. Former trotting king Freddie makes his debut with post five for leading Charlottetown driver Marc Campbell.
The "Post Time Picks" will go a different route in placing 4-1 morning line entry Sailor Blue on top from the Jeff Holmes barn of Orwell, P.E.I. Ken Murphy will drive the Armbro Barrister mare from post three.
“Sailor Blue has been a fantastic mare for her ownership team and trainer Holmes knows how to get the best out of her. She draws inside her main foes tonight and after closing the hardest of anyone in the first trot of the season, we’ll treat her as a mild sleeper.”
Also in the Open Trot are Rockadero (Corey MacPherson) and Dealin Magic (David Dowling).
The top pace is Race 10 with $3,300 at stake. Dreamfair Zenfire is the top choice with post five for trainer/driver Campbell and owners Ryan and Everett MacLeod of Souris, P.E.I. Also in the field are Woodmere Rollily (Merner), Filly Forty Seven (Jason Hughes), Ill Tell Me Ma (Murphy) and Ladylike (Dowling).
To view Thursday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Thursday Entries - Charlottetown Driving Park.
(Red Shores)