On top
MacPherson leads driver standings
Corey MacPherson is the man on the move.
He has been winning multiple races since his return to the track in November and takes over the top spot in the driver standings at Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park with 13 victories. The legendary oval has 13 races today beginning at 12:30 p.m.
“I’m feeling really good right now and my confidence is up because I’m driving better horses too,” MacPherson said. “It really comes down to the horses, but I’m driving with a bit more patience and I try to put each horse in a position to win.”
One of those horses is Idealic Life. The 12-year-old son of Western Ideal is trained by Trevor Hicken and goes for his seventh straight score today in Race 12. MacPherson said he’s a pleasure to drive.
“You can hold him with two fingers in the post parade but once you turn him behind the gate he’s like a race car. He likes the front but he can come off a helmet and once I move him, he delivers such a burst of speed. He’s a nice horse.”
Best Risque goes after her fifth in a row on the open mares handicapped for MacPherson and trainer Brian Ladner.
“I got into a little trouble with her last week and had to go three high to the opening quarter but she proved how tough she is. That was a big win.” The roster also includes A Fiesty X Ample off the rail for driver Stephen Quinn and conditioner Nicholas Oakes. Quinn is third in the standings with four winners in the first month of 2016, three behind Marc Campbell, who sits in second with seven. Campbell needs one more trip to victory lane to notch 1,500 in his career.
A familiar name returns to Charlottetown today. Smokin Bear, who appeared in the 2013 Gold Cup and Saucer, is entered to compete in Race 10 for driver Mike McGuigan, trainer Kenneth Wilkie and owner Jamie Whelan.
Customers still have a chance to purchase tickets on a Gold Cup and Saucer and Governor’s Plate prize package in the Classy Lane fundraiser. Tickets are $10 and available at the rewards club in Charlottetown and Summerside until Jan. 30. The harness racing fan choice awards ballot will be in the race program today.