Louie-Philippe Roy drives Helluva N, left, to a close victory over the Anthony MacDonald-driven Timeisonmyside, right, and Fifth And Five, with Jody Jamieson in the bike. This was the second of three $15,000 Atlantic Lottery Gold Cup and Saucer Trials at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park on Aug. 15. Mike Bernard Photo Photo by MIKE BERNARD /The GuardianArticle contentThe most talented field ever will contest the $100,000 Gold Cup and Saucer on Aug. 22 at Red Shores (aka the CDP).THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentIt’s a very fast field that could produce a new track record. The current mark of 1.49.4 was set last October by Miki Shan N.Article contentArticle contentI’ve been covering the Gold Cup and Saucer for the last 50 consecutive years for The Guardian newspaper and the Evening Patriot, original sponsors of this race for years prior to Atlantic Lotto coming aboard. In fact, I’ve seen all but two 1968-1969, and this, unquestionably, is the toughest group ever.Article contentArticle contentThe expanded purse money has attracted many of the best aged-invitational pacers in the harness racing world, coming out of the top classes at Mohawk, The Meadowlands and Yonkers, which likely will attract a crowd in the vicinity of 20,000-25,000 fans to the track.Article contentIt will be the largest crowd to watch harness racing in Canada this year. The Gold Cup and Saucer race ranks right up there with the Little Brown Jug, Hambletonian, North American Cup and The Meadowlands Pace in the “must-see” category for harness racing fans in North America.Article contentLet’s take a closer look at the Gold Cup and Saucer 2026 field from the rail out:Article content1. Sugar Man won his elimination for fun in 1:50 over Brue Hanover and Jordy N with Jody Jamieson driving on that occasion. Sugar Man also won earlier this year in 1.47.2 — the fastest of any tonight. Jamieson had prior commitments with Fifth And Five, hence the move to Doug McNair in Sugar Man’s sulky. Doug is an aggressive up-near-the-front driver so Sugar Man looms as the betting favourite. Charlottetown’s Mark McKinnon trains for Pollack Racing of Pennsylvania.Article contentArticle content2. Jordy N went a monster trip in his elimination on the rim throughout and was a game second to Sugar Man. Louie Roy has opted for stablemate Helluva N and Charlottetown’s Jason Ryan, a very capable driver at Mohawk and in Ontario, has picked up the Gold Cup and Saucer drive. Ryan is caught in a difficult spot – the rail horse can leave, and outside horses must head to the front for better positions. Jacques Dupont trains for owners Ecurie CSL of Quebec.Article contentArticle content3. Timeisonmyside went an awesome trip in his prelim. He cut it and was second, beaten by a head in 1:50.3. Driver Anthony MacDonald is in a similar situation as Ryan – speed inside and out, caught between a rock and a hard place. A glorious trip could get the job done. Jamie Smith handles the training duties for The Stable.Ca.Article content4. Trumpster Blues got the benefit of a ground-saving trip by Prince County native Brady Sweet. He was third in the softest of the trials to Miki Shan N and Ammo in 1:51.4. Local trainer Jeff Holmes has posted great numbers for the past few years for owner Tommy Collings, one of the biggest horse owners in the region. With a name like that, he’ll not be a favourite here with the wagering public.
FIDDLER’S FACTS: Greatest Gold Cup and Saucer field ever suggests new CDP track record
