Everyone stepping onto the track at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Thursday night (July 7) had to contend with driver Robert Shepherd and trainer Isabelle Darveau as the pair shone through the 10-race card, capitalized by a 1:54.1 win in the $10,500 Preferred Handicap Trot by Black Tie Bash.

Black Tie Bash floated off the wings from post 7 to settle fifth while Ripped And Ready rolled for the lead after a :27.1 first quarter. Once on top, he backed the tempo to a :56.4 half, where Shepherd swung the Darveau trainee off the pegs and advanced toward the front. He grabbed cover from Fit Bitt flushing first over and pressing to match strides with Ripped And Ready to three-quarters in 1:25.3 before firing his charge three wide. The four-year-old Chapter Seven gelding spun for home and slid clear of Ripped And Ready to post a 1-3/4-length victory over the 2-5 favourite, with Seeyou Men giving chase from the pocket for third and Overserved rallying for fourth.

Shepherd owns Black Tie Bash, who won his second race from 10 starts this season and his eighth from 46 overall to push his bankroll to $94,668. The victory, in which he paid $15 to win, gave the reinsman his fifth win on the card and trainer Isabelle Darveau her third.

The other two victories for Darveau came with Shepherd in the bike. Earlier in the card, they paired to win with The Wheel ($2.80) and Blockbuster Trade ($39.50). Shepherd's remaining wins were with Premier Star ($4.30) and Daddys Eyes ($16.10).

To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.