Bugsy Maguire commanded all the respect of his peers on his way to the winner’s circle in the Saturday evening (May 15) feature at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

Driver Austin Sorrie made his final night on P.E.I. before going back to Ontario a memorable one as he steered his father Wade Sorrie’s trainee to a 1:56.1 victory in the $3,200 Preferred Pace.

Bugsy Maguire grabbed the lead quickly off the gate and struck down a :28.2 opening panel, then backed the fractions to :59 for the half and 1:29 to the three-quarters. The final panel was brisk as Bugsy Maguire and rival Avatar J sprinted to the finish in 1:56.1. Soccer Hanover completed the $166.40 triactor ticket finishing third. Walter Simmons of Summerside holds the ownership papers of Bugsy Maguire.

The night also saw some new owners celebrate their first trips to the winner’s circle.

Brushcut had a maiden-breaking score of 1:59.2 for trainer Brett Leblanc, who co-owns the son of Heston Blue Chip with Keigan Madden of Scotchtown, N.S., and first-time owner Ryan Wilkie of Stratford.

Owner Clark Annand of Grand River had his first owning win in the evening's opener as Theycallmedude was a 2:02.1 winner for co-owners Keith Campbell of Victoria West and Joseph Campbell of Ellerslie.

Gonna Fool Ya has been undefeated since making the trip East, taking a seasonal best of 1:57.4 for trainer-driver David Dowling and owners Brittany Watts of Springvale, Rick Adams of Charlottetown and Matt and David Burke of Stratford.

The Tom Weatherbie stable made two trips to the historic winner’s circle as Western Wish stopped the clock in 1:56.4 and Shes In The Moment delivered in 1:59.3.

Trainer-driver Marc Campbell saw two wins from his Winsloe barn with veteran pace Eagle Jolt (1:59.4), winning for the 68th time of his career, and Well Ell going all the way in 1:56.1.

Total handle on the card was $98,838. Live racing continues Thursday evening (May 20) at 6 p.m. (ADT).

(Red Shores)