HF Thegreatpumpkin has found new life in 2022. After a successful stint with the Dave Kelly barn, between July of 2019 and July of 2021, the son of Pang Shui-HF Agent Nintynine-Armbro Trench had failed to win for new connections in Alberta and B.C.. Since coming back to the Kelly barn - following a private purchase in 2022 - he's won his latest pair of races by a combined twelve-length margin - his latest being a 154.3 romp for the fastest mile of the day this past Saturday at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino.
"I love him!" states Kelly. "He's so confident right now and maybe a bit sounder too. He'll be with us for a while now, hopefully and he'll have a home for life with Paul - that's his baby!" Paul MacDonald shares ownership of the speedster with Don and Dan McDougall, along with Kelly - who was driving for the triple when hitting with 'Pump'.
We asked Dave about a few other mounts on the day and he filled us in...
Divas Black Gold (1st in 1:55.2) - "He was really good three starts ago when he appeared to hop over a shadow with a lap to go - he still battled on good there for third. I believe the ear plugs have made a difference for him - Carl (Archibald) has him racing well now - it's great to see." That was a new life mark on the gelding.
Bonus Round (4th in 1:56.4) - "He'll need an adjustment or two for his next start and we'll expect much better from him." Circle him up for next time.
Staytheblazeshome (3rd in 2:00.4) - "She's almost a project right now... She is a big strong mare, but still very green for a four-year-old." Watch for her going forward.
Past Affair (1st in 1:55.2) - "The outside post, last time, wasn't to her liking and she'd been off a month before that... With the rail, this week, she certainly showed her back class and came back to herself pretty good." If she draws well again next time - she'll be a must play.
Outlaw Blue Isle Triples Up
The Fun For Fans-owned mare Outlaw Blue Isle was a 'much the best' winner again in 1:57.4.for trainer Rod Starkewski. Racing in part for the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, this month, she'd be winning for three in a row and be one of three Jamie Gray driving victories on the day. Gray would also score with a pair of Kelly Crump trainees in Tagoras (1:56.1) and Tami Blue (1:57.2).
Brandon Campbell also had another multiple driving win day hitting the winner's circle with Rockin Shadow (1:57.3) and Jim Strikesitrich (1:56). Other winners were Is Santa Real (1:58) and Wine Thirty (2:00.2).
*Century Downs, in consultation with the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association (ASHA), and Standardbred Canada, has rescheduled the Western Regional Driving Championship from Saturday, June 4 to Sunday, June 19, Father’s Day. The decision was made to ensure a healthy horse population for the competition races.