I Ama Rocket launched a deep-stretch strike to score in the $10,000 Preferred Pace, which highlighted the Sunday (Sept. 24) card at Rideau Carleton Raceway. 

Starting from post five in the full field of nine, driver Robert Shepherd landed I Ama Rocket in the fourth position in the early stages as The Light Speed and Guy Gagnon battled to the outside of Legion Seelster and Samuel Fillion to lead the opening quarter in :27. The Light Speed was able to clear Legion Seelster as the pacers passed the stands for the first time on their way to the half in :55.4. Shepherd gave I Ama Rocket his marching orders up the backstretch, charging first-up to engage The Light Speed at the three-quarter station in 1:24.2. 

The battle raged on the lead into the stretch as The Light Speed braced for a two-pronged attack with I Ama Rocket continuing to surge on the outside and Legion Seelster taking his shot up the passing lane. I Ama Rocket surged late in the lane with a :27.4 final quarter to upend a valiant effort from The Light Speed on the line by a neck. Legion Seelster finished third as I Ama Rocket scored the victory in 1:52.2. 

The victory was the 30th in the career of the Mandy Archer trainee and 10th of 2023 from 26 seasonal outings. Owned by Albert Russel and Archie Melnyk, the seven-year-old gelded son of Custard The Dragon-Machs Rocket pushed his career bankroll to $307,401.

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