Kenogami Coco was parked through the first quarter, then defended his lead from two challenges to capture the $10,000 Preferred Handicap Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Rather than tuck in fourth, Robert Shepherd ordered the gelding to advance on favoured leader Tyrone Bow Tie (Ryan Guy) through the first panel of :29.1, taking control in front of the stands. Kenogami Coco completed the half in :58.2 but was put to a drive by the advancing The Canam Banker (Guy Gagnon) down the backstretch, and those two scrapped heads apart through three-quarters in 1:26.3.

Kenogami Coco got a reprieve as his attacker broke stride entering the final turn, but he was soon under fire again as Tyrone Bow Tie angled outside on the homeward turn and chipped away at him down the lane. Kenogami Coco waned late, but he had enough trot in reserve to hang on by a half-length for the 1:55.3 score. Stomper Tom (Marie-Claude Auger) finished third.

The winner severed a string of three show finishes in Preferred events with Wednesday’s win, his third of the year in 22 attempts. The Christine Beaulieu-trained gelding has reached the winner’s circle in 25 of his 144 career outings and has raked in $333,656 in earnings. Kenogami Coco, a son of Wheeling N Dealin-Profound Wisdom, is owned by Marie-Claude Reid and Mario Menard of Montreal, Que. He paid $11.30 to win.

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

(Standardbred Canada)