Sent the even-money favourite, National Debt dashed to the lead and maintained control to the finish of the $9,200 Preferred Handicap Pace at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday (Nov. 22).
Parked three wide to a :27.4 opening quarter, National Debt swept to the lead while Ashleysbest settled for the pocket. Luke And Duke remained parked from third past a :57.4 half and marched towards the pacesetter moving up the backstretch. National Debt kept Luke And Duke at bay by three-quarters in 1:27.2 and scooted to a three-length lead as the early battlers faltered into the final turn. Racemup rallied around tiring horses in the stretch to snag second in the 1:57 mile, one-and-three-quarter lengths behind the winner, while Avatar J closed for third.
A nine-year-old stallion by Allamerican Native, National Debt won his 10th race from 26 starts this season and his 64th from 194 overall, earning $595,483. Yves Tessier trains the $4.00 winner for owner Francois Morin while Pascal Berube sat in the bike.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.