Showing shades of the form that saw him knock off standout pacers such as Shadow Play and Silent Swing two years ago, nine-year-old stallion Bolero Charles was a confident winner in Thursday night's $15,000 Preferred Handicap Pace

at Rideau Carleton Raceway.

In rein to Guy Gagnon, Bolero Charles used his rail position to take command of the race early. A snappy :27.1 opening panel over the 'good' track was enough to place favourite Montreal Phil (Gord Brown) in the pocket. Gagnon was able to rate Bolero Charles through a middle half of :59.2, reaching the half in :56.4 and the third quarter in 1:26.3. Haul Away (Robbie Robinson) was stalking the leader first up but was unable to get to his wheel as Bolero Charles kept one length on top of the field through the final panel for the 1:56.4 win. Its A Good Thing (Denis St. Pierre) completed the triactor and public choice Montreal Phil had his four-race win streak snapped.

Bolero Charles (Jennas Beach Boy - Bolero Takara) is owned by 9174 7998 Quebec Inc. of Blainville, Quebec and trained by Gerard Demers. The win marked the tenth on the year and 37th lifetime for Bolero Charles, who now boasts more that $570,000 in career earnings.

For results from Thursday's card of harness racing at Rideau Carleton, click the following link: Rideau Carleton - Thursday Results.