The 10-race Sunday, July 7 card at Rideau Carleton Raceway ended with fireworks as the late double saw Jet Rock romp in the $10,000 Preferred Handicap Pace and Carson Star Choice extend his win streak to seven in the finale.

Leaving from post four in the scratched down field of six, driver Robert Shepherd changed tactics with the reliable closer Jet Rock. Hustled off the gate at 9-5, Jet Rock flew to the front in the first turn, briefly releasing Light The Torch (Pascal Berube) to the lead at the quarter in :27. Not content to sit the pocket, Shepherd moved Jet Rock back to the lead by the line the first time and on the way to the half in :56.

The 2-5 favourite, The Light Speed (Guy Gagnon), moved into second at the leader's wheel as a revved up Jet Rock led to three-quarters in 1:23.2. Under Shepherd urging, Jet Rock countered the challenge by The Light Speed on the final turn to get to the top of the lane 1-1/2 lengths clear. Powering home in :27.3, Jet Rock throttled to the wire two lengths clear to win in 1:51. The Light Speed was second, with Light The Torch finishing third.

The victory was the first in nine starts in 2024 for Jet Rock. Trained by Isabelle Darveau, the eight-year-old gelded son of Rocknroll Heaven-Jet Wash is owned by Ecurie Csl and Les Ecuries Dorleans Inc. He has banked $370,455 lifetime following his 35th career victory.

Guy Gagnon turned the tables on Robert Shepherd in the finale as Carson Star Choice earned his seventh straight win against $7,800 conditioned company. Leaving from the rail, Gagnon sent the 2-5 favourite to the lead in a speedy opening quarter of :27.2.

Shepherd wheeled second-choice Acapulco Sunburn first-over from fifth within a length of the leader as Carson Star Choice slowed the pace down, getting to the half in :57. Acapulco Sunburn looked Carson Star Choice in the eye on the backstretch before the favourite countered with a :26.4 third quarter to put the lead back to a length a three-quarters in 1:23.4. 

Acapulco Sunburn remained persistent on the final turn, refusing to go away as Carson Star Choice turned for home a length in front. Carson Star Choice dug in gamely in the lane, fending off the stubborn Acapulco Sunburn by a length on the wire in 1:52.1. Shotgun Jerry (Stephane Pouliot) finished fourth and was placed third following interference by Allstar Cheddar (Ryan Guy) in the first turn that resulted in Allstar Cheddar being placed eighth after crossing the finish line third.

Undefeated since joining the Gagnon barn on May 14, Carson Star Choice is now a nine-time winner in 27 starts this season. The five-year-old gelded son of Betterthancheddar-Carsons Ladyluck is owned by Ecuries Guy Gagnon Inc. and Seth McLeod. He has banked $91,108 for his career.

Guy Gagnon and Robert Shepherd each had driving doubles on the card, while Jimmy Gagnon led all drivers with four victories on the night.

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

(Standardbred Canada)