Early Action sat just off the action throughout before surging late to win the $10,000 Preferred Pace, which highlighted the 10-race Sunday, Aug. 25 card at Rideau Carleton Raceway.

Leaving from post three, driver Ryan Guy got Early Action out of the gate quickly, briefly leading before The Light Speed (Guy Gagnon) crossed over to the front through a :27.2 first quarter. Gagnon slowed things down to the half in :57 where Legion Seelster (Jimmy Gagnon) took up pursuit first-over from third. The pace picked up on the backstretch with The Light Speed holding Legion Seelster at bay to his wheel through three-quarters in 1:24.1 while Early Action stalked the duelling leaders.

The Light Speed turned for home 1-1/2 lengths clear of a pesky Legion Seelster while Guy dropped Early Action into the passing lane at the top of the stretch. Raging up the cones with a :28.1 final quarter, Early Action rallied to get by The Light Speed by a half-length on the line in 1:52.4. Legion Seelster held for the show spot.

Mandy Archer trains Early Action, who has won two of his last three races and three of 20 on the season. Owned by Jamie Copley and Kimberly Eaton, the five-year-old gelded son of Huntsville-Fashion Kate has won 14 times in his career while banking $648,868 lifetime.

Early Action paid $8.50 to win and was one of two victories on the night for both Guy and Archer.

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

(Standardbred Canada)