Article content“I drove this horse a couple weeks ago – he’s super fast.”Article contentCampbell acknowledged Miki Shan, a six-year-old bay horse by Always B Miki-Yankee Dream-Dream Away, may not have raced his best in the elimination but attributed that to the fact he hasn’t raced in a couple of weeks.Article content“He’s used to racing every week because of where he came from,” said Campbell. “I’m assuming by next week, he’ll probably be pretty darn sharp in the final. If he draws anywhere, and there’s not a lot of traffic now that Save America didn’t make it, obviously, I think he’s definitely the horse to beat.”Article contentSave America, the pre-race favourite, pulled up at the three-quarters with a suspected foot or leg injury. Driver Kenny Murphy immediately hopped off the bike to tend to Save America. Save America, who won his first three races in P.E.I., was driven off the track in a horse trailer.Article contentArticle contentMiki Shan, trained by Chris MacKay for owners Kap Singh Racing of Yorktown Heights, N.Y., Stephen Klunowski of North York, Ont., Earl Hill Jr. of Ohsweken,Ont., and Donald MacRae of Vernon Bridge, P.E.I., took the lead just past the three-quarters en route to a closing quarter of 28.1 for a four-length victory.Article content“Basically, I just wanted to stay out of traffic and get the horse into the final,” said Campbell. “Winning was kind of second-most important.Article content“If you have a chance to win, you always try and win but the main objective from the seven hole – knowing he hasn’t raced in a few weeks – get him in and go from there.”Article contentAlso qualifying from the second elimination were Bounty Hunter (Kenny Arsenault), High Voltage (Corey MacPherson) and Blood Money (Barrieau).Article contentFirst eliminationArticle contentTwin B Tuffenuff, leaving from Post 3, jumped out front right off the start and cut fractions of 27.1, 56.0 and 1:24.2.Article contentArticle content“We drew a good division, drew a good post, and he’s a nice old horse,” said Barrieau about Twin B Tuffenuff, a 10-year-old brown horse by Rock N Roll Heaven-In The Pink-Dragon Again. “Next week, we hope for a good draw and whatever happens, happens.Article content“This guy shows up all the time, so I’m not concerned about that just as long as we get a good draw and take it from there.”Article contentBarrieau said a good draw will consist of Posts 1 through 5.Article contentI don’t want to be (Posts) 6, 7 or 8,” said Barrieau. “It can become a nightmare if you’re out there, so, no, I’d like to stay in the (inside) group.”Article contentPat Morris of Charlottetown owns Twin B Tuffenuff, and Ron Matheson handles the training.Article contentMiddleton Terror (David Dowling) and Tony Too Tall (Myles Heffernan Sr.) also qualified along with Twin B Tuffenuff and Roll Em.Article contentBarrieau is also hoping for a little help from Mother Nature for the Governor’s Plate final.
Field for 57th running of the Governors Plate set after Miki Shan, Twin B Tuffenuff win eliminations
