Driver Robert Shepherd placed Jet Rock in a striking spot second over and delivered as the second choice to take the $10,500 Preferred Handicap Pace on Sunday night (Oct. 9).
The Light Speed, the 9-5 favourite, cleared the lead from D Gs De Vito by a :27 first quarter and snagged a breather to a :57.4 half. Major Hill, who had not seen a pylon, marched onward with Jet Rock catching his cover to the clubhouse turn and remaining in his slipstream as he pressed The Light Speed to three-quarters in 1:26. The pair continued to spar around the final turn while Shepherd revved the engines on Jet Rock and swung him wide for the drive with the pedal down. He took the lead late in the stretch to edge three-quarter lengths in front of The Light Speed in 1:54.2 with Major Hill finishing third and Sea Laird taking fourth.
A six-year-old gelding by Rock N Roll Heaven, Jet Rock won his 26th race from 107 starts and has now earned $276,160. Isabelle Darveau conditions the $5.80 winner for owners Ecurie CSL and Les Ecuries Dorleans Inc.
Matthew McDonald scored a hat trick on the card. He kicked off proceedings with a victory in the opener by Flash Tothe Finish (1:54 winning mile, $3.70 to win) and later collected wins with Pretty Boy Duke (1:55, $14.20) and Raise You Twenty (1:57.3, $8.30).
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.