Island Energetic searches for new streak

Racing returns tonight at CDP

Island Energetic had his win streak snapped at six straight victories in the Maritime Breeder’s final, but will try to start a brand new streak Thursday at Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

First race post time is 6:30 p.m. for the 11-dash program with Island Energetic drawing Post 5 in the $2,100 featured pace finale.

Marc Campbell continues to dominate the driver’s standings at both Island tracks and will be sitting behind Island Energetic as the three-year-old colt faces off against his aged foes for Nova Scotia owners Grayland Farms of Pugwash and Bernadette Burgess of Dartmouth.

The field is deep with talented aged pacers including last year’s Governor’s Plate finalist Jeb (Jason Hughes) from Post 7 and a top contender Likely To Win (Adam Merner) from Post 3.

Race analyst Les MacIsaac thinks Island Energetic can overcome his toughest test to date as he preps for stakes competition in the coming weeks.

“Island Energetic is facing older horses after a few starts on the stakes circuit, but the last time he raced out of his age group he toyed with his opposition,” MacIsaac said. “With both he and his driver on another level right now he’s clearly the one to beat.”

Other entries include Elm Grove Kaboom (Earl Smith), Simon Said (Kenny Arsenault), Darth Bader (Ed Harvey), Starcastic (Brian MacPhee) and Oh To Be Me (Gary Chappell).

The Open trotters clash again this week in Race 7 on the Thursday program with Freddie being saddled with the far outside in the seven-horse field fresh off his 1:56.3 all age track record performance last week for trainer-driver Campbell and owner Three Wisemen Stable of Kingston.

Osprey Impact was close at his heels last week for driver Walter Cheverie and gets Post 3 again this week while Holy Molie Maggie (Gilles Barrieau) leaves from Post 6.

More at www.redshores.ca; compiled by Nicholas Oakes For Red Shores