Six horses spread across the track at the finish line in this week's $6,950 Winners Over Handicap Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway, with Michelangelo getting up in time inside his rivals to score the narrow victory.
Michelangelo left from post two for the early lead with Guiltywithanexcuse outside and trying to clear before breaking stride. Creampuff Macdaddy was three-wide as Guiltywithanexcuse dropped out of contention and then moved up to challenge Michelangelo for the leading role as they reached the quarter pole in 29 seconds.
Creampuff Macdaddy did clear Michelangelo with Four Starz Speed hot on his heels and trotting up alongside.
Creampuff Macdaddy maintained the lead past the half in :58.4 and three-quarters in 1:28.1 with Four Starz Speed looming and favourite Unabating ready to launch three-wide as they approached the head of the stretch. Uncle Freddie and Rocky Boy also began to fan out wide while Michelangelo ducked inside and came through the passing lane.
In the end, Michelangelo prevailed in 1:58.3 by a quarter-length over Rocky Boy while Creampuff Macdaddy settled for third. Uncle Freddie was fourth with Unabating edging out Four Starz Speed for the final paycheque in fifth. Michaelangelo paid $26.80 for the 12-1 upset.
Stephane Lareau drove the winner for owner/trainer Chelsea Knapp of Prescott, Ont. A six-year-old gelded son of Angus Hall, Michelangelo has won 10 of his 37 starts this year while earning $44,244.
In other action, five-year-old pacing mare Prettyndangerous continued her current win streak fresh off a claim. The Armbro Deuce daughter, who was claimed for $8,125 in her last start on Nov. 22 at Rideau by trainer Pierre Leclerc and Gina Bragagnolo, earned her fifth straight victory on Sunday night with a 1:56.3 winning effort in rein to Louis-Philippe Roy. Claimed back tonight for the same price, Prettyndangerous will return to the Blake Curran stable, where she began her streak.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.