Gutsy Volo and Imjustalittleguy took different routes around the Rideau Carleton Raceway oval on Thursday night, with both of them finding the winner’s circle in their respective $13,400 Preferred assignments.
Gusty Volo never saw the rail in the Preferred Trot, but that posed no problem for the Robert Robinson-trained and driven pupil. Mired with Post 8, the four-year-old Yankee Glide gelding floated away from the gate, trotting in fifth as Norway No Day (Yves Filion) broke the opening beam in :28.4.
The tempo was hot and heavy in the middle stages of the race, with numerous leader changes through splits of :58 and 1:27.3. Due to the advancing flow, Gutsy Volo worked his way up to second at the third marker, only two lengths behind Norway No Day, who was on the lead for the second time in the mile.
Dueling with Norway No Day down the stretch, Gutsy Volo emerged at the wire, winning by a half-length in 1:58.2. Rate Exchange (Ted McDonald) completed the top three.
Brian Cassell, Jacqueline Dinelle and Sean Hibbert co-own Gutsy Volo, who has won three straight Preferred Trots at Rideau, dating back to October 23. It was the 17th victory of the season for the talented trotter, pushing his 2008 bankroll to $99,758 in 28 starts.
With Post 1 in the Preferred Pace, Imjustalittleguy protected the rail and stung 6-5 favourite Priceless Edition (Gord Brown) to a :27.4 opening panel. Trainer/driver Ted McDonald took a hold of Imjustalittleguy and sat the pocket trip though stanzas of :56.3 and 1:25.3 as Stallone (Rheo Filion) challenged first-over.
Imjustalittleguy waited patiently for the passing lane around the final turn and once he hit the stretch, he shot up the rail and paced to an open-length decision in 1:54.3. Red Leaf Again (Jacques Hebert) made a late rally for second while Stallone finished third, with Priceless Edition a disappointing fourth.
Lloyd Stone owns Imjustalittleguy, who posted his 11th triumph in 28 tries this season. The six-year-old Armbro Operative gelding has earnings of $85,594 in 2008.
To view Rideau’s results, click here.