by Scott Waddell, publicity director, Exhibition Park

Saint John, NB — Perfect Trick, owned by Doug Beckwith, started this year where he left off in 2004, winning races. The five-year-old son of Cam’s Magic Trick won 12 of 30 starts last year and if today’s performance was any indication, he’s going to have another strong year.

Perfect Trick left out of the gate to get a good spot and a patient steer from Steve Mahar earned the horse his first win in his debut this year and also set a new season’s mark for Exhibition Park as he scored a 2:00 victory. This was a fifth of a second faster than Quick Flow’s 2:00.1 score in last week’s top class. Magnetic Benka was his typical consistent self with a second place effort while Kilkerran Vicar rounded out the top trio.

The Banker N, who had controlled the race most of the way, gave the lead away past the three-quarter marker as Kilkerran Vicar was in high gear, but when the dust settled, it was Perfect Trick devouring them in the lane.

Meanwhile, Lose Yourself, a three-year-old daughter of The Big Dog, ran her win streak to four and remained unbeaten in her lifetime for owner Bill Andrew of Calgary. She flashed a last quarter of :29.2 for driver Brian Andrew and red hot trainer Pat Murphy.

Brian Andrew was right back in race two to make it an Andrew daily double as he scored with eight-year-old Smittys Fortune. Like Lose Yourself, he is owned by Bill Andrew, along with Jim MacPhail. Time of the trip was 2:04.1, a season’s best for him.

Gilles Barrieau continued his dominance at EPR with another four win performance.

Aaron M Down, now a 12-year old son of Knightly Blue Chip, scored his 54th career win in 2:05.3. Janet Shanks of Saint John owns the cagey veteran.

Wham shipped in from Truro for the day and owners Ken, David and Ralph Sweet gave Gilles the reins and he turned in a first up win in 2:04.1.

One of the most promising four-year-olds this year has turned out to be the Largo stud Birdton Ernie. He has won each of his last two starts and toyed with the competition on Saturday, winning with ease in 2:01.3. He looks like a force to be reckoned with. Doug and Ron Hildebrand are the proud owners.

Barrieau completed the four win day as he scored with Finally Laughing for owner Mike Clinton and high percentage trainer Earl Fram. Time of the mile was 2:01.1.

Speaking of Fram, he earned his second win credit of the day as Bold Ryan won easily for owner Fred Paynter and driver Mike Stevenson. He’s a four-year-old son of Lisryan and had lots in reserve in the win.

Dunachton Eric gave his connections his second straight win as he scored a tight victory in the $3,000 claiming class. Time of the mile was 2:02.4 and the victory gave Steve Mahar his second win credit of the day.

RE’s Donna, a five-year-old daughter of Drop Off obliterated her foes as she paced a final quarter in :28 seconds flat to win in 2:01.3 for owner Charlie Price and catch-driver Vaughn Doyle. It was her second win this season.

Racing returns to EPR on Saturday, April 16, with post time at 1:00 p.m.