CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – New Zealand import Heaven On High N (Rock N Roll Heaven) has secured his place in the $100,000 Gold Cup and Saucer Final, presented by Atlantic Lottery, following his victory in Trial 3 on Monday evening, August 12, at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park. This win took place during the Old Home Week harness racing festivities.
In Trial 3 of the Gold Cup and Saucer, Larry Karr, driven by Austin Sorrie, surged from post 8 to take the early lead, setting the pace with fractions of 28 and 56.3, while Heaven On High N, driven by Brett MacDonald, settled into second. Southwind Sambucca, with Marc Campbell at the reins, challenged the leader from the outside as they reached the half, continuing to push through three-quarters at 1:25.2. However, it was Heaven On High N who found another gear in the stretch, overtaking Larry Karr by a length, finishing in 1:52.3. Rocks Shining Star, driven by Jason Hughes, claimed third place, earning the final spot in the $100,000 final on August 17. Jamie Smith trains the winning pacer for owners of Shark Racing Stable of Bainbridge, NY.
Heaven On High N, Larry Karr, and Rocks Shining Star will join the previously qualified Save America, Binge On Yankee, American History, Fortify, Covered Bridge, and Twin B Tuffenuff in the final. The official post-position draw for the final will take place live during the Tuesday evening program.
The fourth through sixth place finishers in Trial 3—Bob Loblaw, High Voltage Deo, and Smooth Lou—will compete again in the $30,000 James (Roach) MacGregor Gold Cup and Saucer consolation on August 16. Meanwhile, Southwind Sambucca and Island Beach Boy, who finished seventh and eighth respectively, will participate in the $15,000 P.E.I. Harness Racing Industry Association Pace on August 17.
In other action on Monday evening, Tobins Chester emerged victorious in the lone $28,460 Atlantic Sires Stakes A-division for three-year-old pacing colts. Jason Hughes drove the Ashley Gamester-trained colt for owner Donald MacRae of Vernon Bridge.
The $6,000 B-divisions for sophomore pacing colts saw wins from Heres To Art (Ken Murphy) in 1:55.3, Dusty Lane Zoro (Brodie MacPhee) in 1:55.4, Howmac General (David Dowling) in 1:56.4, and Little Leroy (Adam Merner) in 1:54.4. Marc Campbell recorded a driving triple on the program.