Driver Guy Gagnon popped pocket with Seeyou Men heading into the stretch and dug into pacesetter Pasadena Star before extending a nose on the wire to take the $8,100 Preferred Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday, Dec. 16.
Pasadena Star trotted on the lead with little pressure through fractions of :28, :58.3 and 1:27.2. Race-favourite Flying Isa N attempted to mount a bid first over heading to the half but, coming within two lengths of the lead to the final turn, began his retreat heading for home. Gagnon made his move for the top turning into the stretch and nailed Pasadena Star on the wire while Lmc Mass Gem, stalking the top two, finished two lengths back in third.
A six-year-old gelding by Muscle Mass, Seeyou Men won his seventh race from 29 starts this season and his 21st from 84 overall, surpassing $200,000 in earnings. Daniel Martin conditions the $31.90 winner for owners Catheline Pelletier and Chantal Gravel.
Ufdragons Rocket jetted to the point from post six and withstood a first-over challenge from Doctor Royal to take the $8,100 Preferred Pace in 1:56.1.
Sent the 2-1 favourite, Ufdragons Rocket led to a :27.3 opening quarter as Doctor Royal floated for position but failed to reach the pylons. Doctor Royal ventured forward while Ufdragons Rocket owned a two-length lead to a :57.4 half.
Doctor Royal crept closer passing the 1:26.3 third quarter and paced only a length off the leader turning for home. The Yves Tessier-trained nine-year-old Dragon Again gelding fought off the challenge to the inside to win by three-quarter lengths. Bestofbest Hanover, from third over, took show.
Winning his 11th race from 36 starts this season and his 53rd from 259 overall, Ufdragons Rocket has accrued $418,223 in earnings. Francois Morin owns the $6.10 winner and Pascal Berube sat in the bike.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.