It was a blowout triumph for Raising Rusty in Thursday’s $10,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway, as the gelding drew clear to win by nearly six lengths after getting away next to last in the early stages of the contest.
Trainer/driver Stephane Pouliot got away fifth from Post 3 with Raising Rusty, who held that position while Seeyou Men (:27.2) and race favourite Tokyo Seelster (:56.4) took turns on the lead. Pouliot had his charge on the move on the way to the half, and a wicked turn of foot quickly earned Raising Rusty the lead.
He made an authoritative move to the top and opened up a four-length lead at the three-quarter pole in 1:25.3. A :29.4 closing quarter helped propel the five-year-old son of Kadabra-Raising The Bar to the victory by 5-3/4 lengths over Cold Rage in 1:55.2. Seeyou Men took home the show dough in the six-horse affair.
Owned by 9096 9205 Quebec Inc of Gloucester, Ont., Raising Rusty improved his seasonal record to 5-6-9 from 36 starts with the win. The 21-time winner is quickly closing in on $130,000 in career earnings.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.