Veteran pacer Bolero Charles bombed when he faced the gate and finished eighth one week ago in Rideau Carleton Raceway’s $13,000 Preferred, but it was a much different story on Thursday night

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With Ted McDonald at the controls, Bolero Charles brushed to the top just before the half and proceeded to whack out a front-stepping score in the $13,000 feature. Foolish Gem sprinted to the early lead and had the field behind him at the quarter pole in :26.2, but it proved to be a short-lived lead for that one. Bolero Charles shot to the top and sizzled through splits of :54.1 and 1:22.1 before kicking home in :29.3 to win by a three-length margin in 1:51.4. Pieraz was next best, with Peenie grabbing the bronze medal.

Gerard Demers trains the nine-year-old son of Jennas Beach Boy for 9174 7998 Quebec Inc of Blainville, QC. The victory was the fifth of the season in 15 tries for the 32-time winner who has put away more than $520,000 in lifetime earnings.

Thursday’s card also featured a pair of divisions of the CKG Billings Harness Driving Championship.

Aerial Victory (Vladimir Melnichenko) and Reece Lightnin (Sherwin Edwards) dead-heated for victory in 2:00.2 in the opening division, but the latter was placed second for making a lapped-on break at the wire. Third prize was earned by Vincenne (Jason Sgrignuoli).

Great Anticipation (Stephen Oldford) earned a one-length score in the second division thanks to his gate-to-wire performance in 2:00.1. Canaco Quemar (Michael Walker) was second best, with Kendal Fortissimo (Daniel St. Pierre) rounding out the top three finishers.

To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.