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Avatar J headlines season-opening card

Capital oval hosting a 12-dash program

Compiled by Nicholas Oakes for Red Shores.

The 2021 spring harness racing season swings into full gear Saturday at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

The capital oval will host a 12-dash program starting at 6 p.m., with a brand-new wagering menu, TV graphics package Paddock Cam and a power-packed field in the feature pace.

Part of the excitement is the Jackpot Hi5 offered at both Island tracks this season with an industry-low takeout of 15 per cent and a single winner format.

The wager requires the customer to pick the first five finishers in the correct order.

A single winner will receive not only the payout from the day’s current pool but the full jackpot that has built up from previous events at Charlottetown. The Jackpot Hi5 will make its debut at Summerside on May 24.

Red Shores has also reduced the minimum bet amounts for the Superfecta, Pick 4, and Jackpot Hi5 as they now will have a $0.20 minimum bet option.

The Race 11 feature marks the return of James (Roach) MacGregor Gold Cup and Saucer consolation winner Avatar J to Island racing. Danny MacDonald resumes the training duties of the son of American Ideal for owners Jody Sanderson of Cornwall and Ontario’s Dean Larkin.

Gilles Barrieau picks up the drive behind the Post 2 starter in the $3,200 preferred pace.

Screen Test rides a threerace winning streak into the event with Corey MacPherson at the controls for trainer Ron Gass. Chocolate Swirl (to be driven by David Dowling) has the outside Post 5 after winning the final preferred pace of the season in February.

Race analyst Peter MacPhee places Avatar J firmly on top of the Post-Time Picks.

“Avatar J was razor-sharp at Rideau back in March and check out all those brisk closing quarters,” MacPhee said. “Don’t forget he won 10 races last year, and Gilles gets along very well with him, so we think they hit the wire first.”

Also in that preferred field are Mantario (Kenny Arsenault) and Bugsy Maguire (Austin Sorrie).

Burn Out Hanover is the favourite in the Race 12 finale but must overcome the outside Post 7 for Barrieau and owner-trainer Jeff Holmes of Orwell. Other top entries are Hunger Pangs (Ryan Desroche) and Winter Blast (Dowling).

SPORTS/CULTURE

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2021-05-08T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-05-08T07:00:00.0000000Z

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