Smooth Lou returns to Prince Edward Island

Smooth Lou (Sweet Lou) returns to the red soil of Prince Edward Island for the harness racing feature at Red Shores' Summerside Raceway. The last time Smooth Lou graced the Island, he thrilled over 15,000 fans with his victory in the 2021 Gold Cup and Saucer Final.

Now trained and driven by Corey MacPherson for owner Triple S Equine of Newton, Ont., the eight-year-old gelding Smooth Lou has amassed 27 career wins and earnings of $243,070. In 2024, he secured seven victories, including a 1:52.1 win on the half-mile track at Flamboro Downs in Dundas, Ont. His most recent performance was a second-place finish in a July 19 qualifier at Kawartha Downs in Peterborough, Ont., where he clocked in at 1:55.4.

Woodmere Ideal Art is the morning line favourite for the top class, drawing post 5 for trainer Sifroi Melanson and catch driver Jason Hughes. The nine-year-old son of Articulator has 40 career wins to his name.

Silver Spirit, to be driven by Devon Wallace, holds the rail position, while Frontier Cruise, handled by Brady Sweet, ships in from New Brunswick and starts from post 2.

Veteran pacer Pictonian Storm (Damian MacLellan), a frequent competitor in Summerside’s top events, will start from post 3. Sauble Attack (Ken Murphy) completes the field from post 4.

The Backstretch Beat has named Smooth Lou as the top pick: “Former Gold Cup and Saucer champion Smooth Lou returns from Ontario, where he won in 1:52.1 over a half-mile track earlier this season. He doesn’t just deserve respect—he demands it. With MacPherson driving, we expect him to be in the lead.”

The program also features a pair of young horses aiming to extend their winning streaks.

Jazzville (MacPherson) will start from post 1 in race 2, boasting an undefeated record in her two recent P.E.I. starts for trainer Blaine McKenna and owner Ron MacLean of Fairview.

Tobins Future  (MacPherson) has won her last two races from the Jason Biggar barn and will leave from post 3 in race 10. Biggar co-owns the daughter of Arthur Blue Chip with Robyn Wilson of Miscouche.