After grabbing second last week, Crossfit returned to the top trotting ranks on Thursday (Sept. 14) at Rideau Carleton Raceway and won the $10,000 Preferred Handicap by a narrow margin.

Raising Rusty (Stephane Pouliot) dictated himself as the pacesetter for the mile and posted two panels in :27.2 and :56.4 while being followed in pursuit by Duke Lavictoire (Pascal Berube) in the pocket and Crossfit (Guy Gagnon) in third. As Raising Rusty led to the three-quarters in 1:25.1, Crossfit was pulled from the third position to move into second from the outside. In the stretch drive, Crossfit and Raising Rusty met wheel-to-wheel and eye-to-eye in a battle for the win. With a last panel in :29.3, Crossfit yielded the win by a head in 1:55. Black Tie Bash (Robert Shepherd) took the show spot.

Mandy Archer trains the seven-year-old Donato Hanover gelding for owner John Hopkins. He boasts $329,967 in career earnings from 30 wins. This season, Crossfit has made seven trips to the winner's circle. He paid $10.20 to win as the 4-1 third choice.

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