Recent Rideau Carleton Raceway newcomer HP Lis Shadow has emerged as a top contender in the Preferred ranks, landing in the winner's circle in just his second try at the top for rookie trainer Jacob Copley on Sunday evening, Oct. 5.

In his Rideau debut a week ago in the $10,000 Preferred Handicap class, HP Lis Shadow was looped to the lead by Robert Shepherd after a contested opening quarter but came up a half-length shy when top gun The Light Speed got by him late for trainer/driver Guy Gagnon.

With Gagnon's trainee sitting this one out, Rideau's leading reinsman picked up the catch-drive on the Copley contender this week and worked out a similar trip from post five to win by a widening 2-3/4 lengths in 1:51.2 for Imagine Stable of L'Ange-Gardien, Que. The six-year-old Shadow Play-Lisbella gelding made front after a :27.1 first quarter and cruised uncontested through middle splits of :56.2 and 1:24.1 before sealing the deal with a :27.1 final frame. 

HP Lis Shadow paid $2.70 to win as the 1-5 bettors' choice in the compact field scratched down to five starters. A drifting pocket-pursuer, JJ Xavier (Mike Healey) regained second in deep stretch over Ducky Dynasty (Stephane Pouliot). 

HP Lis Shadow earned his 24th career win and now has earnings amounting to $270,777. 

The win was Gagnon's fourth on the card and second in partnership with Copley, who also sent out three-year-old pacing filly Muktuk Annie to her third straight win in a career-best 1:54.1 earlier on Sunday evening.

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

(Standardbred Canada)