Sitting last and more than seven lengths back at the halfway point, stone-cold closer Black Tie Bash bolted home with authority to prevail comfortably in the $10,000 Preferred Handicap Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Thursday, Aug. 8.

Driver Robert Shepherd patiently watched from the back of the pack with Black Tie Bash as favoured Warrawee Xalt (Ryan Guy) was stretched out to make the lead by Kinnder Motown (Marie-Claude Auger). Parked through a :27 opening quarter, Warrawee Xalt finally touched down on top just before the three-eighths mark and fronted his five rivals through a :57 half.

Meadowbranch Noble (Guy Gagnon) started the outer flow from fifth just before the half, and eventually received cover in the form of second choice Emma Town Bud (Pierre Bovay) heading down the backside. Warrawee Xalt maintained a one-length advantage through a 1:26 third station and around the far turn, but the backfield began to fan out as the pacesetter approached the head of the lane.

Gagnon guided Meadowbranch Noble into the three path turning for home, and Shepherd fanned Black Tie Bash out widest of all for a four-across sprint to the wire. Closing through a :28.2 final quarter, Black Tie Bash had the fittest form and breezed by his counterparts for a seasonal best 1:55.1 victory. Emma Town Bud was next best, 2-1/4 lengths in arrears, with Meadowbranch Noble completing the top trio.

Shepherd owns Black Tie Bash ($6.90), a six-year-old altered son of Chapter Seven - Daylon Mermaid conditioned by Isabelle Darveau. With the win, his fifth of the season, Black Tie Bash sports 33 career tallies with more than $319,000 in earnings.

For the results from Thursday's  card of harness racing in the nation's capital click the following link: Thursday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.

(Standardbred Canada)