After a front-end mission didn't get the desired result for Warrawee Xalt in the top class at Rideau Carleton Raceway one week ago, a change of tactics paid dividends for the trotter's team on Thursday, Aug, 15.

As the wings of the starting gate folded for the $10,000 Preferred Handicap Trot, Warrawee Xalt had the lead before the field of six trotters headed into the first turn as driver Ryan Guy asked the  even money favourite for his patented early turn of foot. Black Tie Bash, however, made a early bid for command with driver Robert Shepherd. That tandem landed on the lead after a :29.1 opener, with Warrawee Xalt content to ride the pocket.

The middle fractions were honest and lonely for Black Tie Bash, who trotted to a :57.2 half and 1:25.4 third panel. At this point, Meadowbranch Noble attacked first-up from third for driver Samuel Fillion to pin Warrawee Xalt to the pylons.

As the pacesetter maintained his lead to the head of the lane, Guy angled Warrawee Xalt to the inside passing lane once that path was available. That amount of stretch was just right for Warrawee Xalt, who scooted home through a :28.4 final quarter to trip the timer in 1:54.4. Black Tie Bash was a length back in second with Meadowbranch Noble completing the top trio.

Patrick Dillon trains and co-owns Warrawee Xalt (Royalty For Life-Noble Peace Prize) with Patti Hoskin of Port Hope, Ont. The win gives the five-year-old trotter six wins this year and 19 lifetime tallies to accompany more than $243,000 in earnings. He returned $4.10 to win.

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

(Standardbred Canada)