Doc Darryl will have the target on his back as the one to beat in elimination action of the P.E.I. Harness Racing Industry Association Autumn Series on Saturday afternoon (Nov. 26) at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
The city track has a 12-dash presentation planned for Saturday with a 12:30 p.m. opening post time.
The five-year-old Sunshine Beach pacer, Doc Darryl is top dog in the $2,500 first elimination in race two for owner-trainer Morgan Sheppard of Brackley, P.E.I. with her father Colin Sheppard in the race bike. Doc Darryl has raced competitively in the upper classes at Red Shores, pacing miles in 1:54 and change but only scored one win so far in 2022. That will look to change from post five on Saturday as his top rivals include Shifting Views (Corey MacPherson) from the Paul Conway barn with post three and Whims Drop Off (Myles Heffernan Sr.) from post four for the Wilkie family. Other entries are Watchhimtreasure (David Dowling), Crimson N Clover (Kenny Arsenault), and Pleasing Pink (Brady Sweet).
The "Post Time Picks" have Doc Darryl as the top choice: “Doc Darryl was put on the engine three back and led for a long way, just getting collared at the end. While you’re at it, have a look at those closing quarters and that’s why he’s on top of the ticket.”
The other $2,500 elimination is in race four with Diamond Call pegged on top with rail control for driver Dowling, trainer Melissa Rennie, and owners Dale and Ronnie Rennie of Elmsdale, P.E.I. The Well Said five-year-old was a winner earlier this season in 1:57.4 at Red Shores Charlottetown. Pacific Delight leaves from post two in that elimination for the team of driver Gilles Barrieau and trainer Ron Matheson. Also in the field are Windemere Kirk (Mark Bradley), Luigi Bizacko (Steven Murphy), Grand Ave Legend (Myles Heffernan Sr.), and Lock Her Up (Kenny Arsenault).
The top horses from each elimination will advance to the Dec. 3 final for a $4,000 purse.
(Red Shores)