Montreal Phil was a handy winner in Rideau Carleton Raceway’s $13,000 Preferred Pace one week ago, and it was more of the same for the gelding in Thursday’s featured event

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Gord Brown engineered the winning trip for Montreal Phil, who was under the gun every step of the way en route to the 1:54.4 score.

Bolero Charles had Montreal Phil parked past the quarter pole in :27.2, but the latter cleared to the position of command as the field moved in front of the grandstand for the first time. Bolero Charles came right back to the outside looking to retake command, but Brown gave that challenger the cold shoulder. They battled to the mid-way point in :55.3 and then to the three-quarter pole in 1:24.1 before Bolero Charles backed away. Montreal Phil had enough left in reserve to win by a pair of lengths over Pieraz in 1:54.4. Smokeys Luck came from far back to grab the show dough.

Sent off as the 3-2 favourite in the seven-horse affair, Montreal Phil found his way to the winner’s circle for the eighth time this season for trainer Guy Corbeil. The 31-time winner, who is owned by Hudson Standrdbrd Stb Inc of Hudson, QC, has stashed away more than $260,000 in his career.

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