What A Rush closed off cover to post a 14-1 upset in the $6,800 Winners Over Handicap Trot featured on Rideau Carleton Raceway's Boxing Day matinee.
Brett MacDonald, who was selected as a finalist for the 2016 Future Star O'Brien Award, worked out the winning trip aboard the Federal Flex-Casual Breeze gelding trained and owned by his father Ron.
The 3-5 race favourite, Maximus Deo (Richard Simard), cleared to command by the :28.1 quarter and opened up three lengths on top in front of the grandstand on the way to the half in :59. Raising Richard (Rheo Filion) then tipped first-up from mid-pack and advanced into a the opening behind the leader. Meanwhile, Unabating (Guy Gagnon) had followed into the outer flow and he continued to pursue Maximus Deo when Raising Richard filled the pocket. What A Rush then tipped second-over on the way to three-quarters in 1:28.2 and rallied off the cover of Unabating down the stretch to defeat that foe by two and a quarter lengths in 1:58.2. Raising Richard closed inside to finish third while Maximus Deo held on for fourth over Jetcrest (Ted McDonald).
What A Rush earned his second straight victory at Rideau and fifth on the year to go along with 18 other top three finishes from 45 starts. He's banked over $40,000 during his current five-year-old campaign.
Climbing back to the top-level trotting class off his December 18 victory, What A Rush paid $31.80 to win.
Prior to the fourth race featured trot, the Jamie Copley stable swept the first three races. MacDonald was aboard one of those winners -- Rideau newcomer Future Shark, who won by 15 lengths in 1:58.2 -- for a driving double on the day.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Monday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.