Sitting off swift fractions driver Pascal Berube launched Ufdragons Rocket to the front around the final turn and blew clear of his competition to win the $8,600 Preferred Handicap Pace on Sunday, Dec. 8 at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
Berube positioned Ufdragons Rocket fourth as Stonebridge Beach cleared command from Take The Deal passed a :27 first quarter with Maracasso left parked uncovered from third. Stonebridge Beach continued to speed towards a :55.2 half as Maracasso gradually retreated and stagnated the developing flow heading to three-quarters in 1:24.2.
Ufdragons Rocket tipped off the cones with room created by Maracasso as pick to overtake Stonebridge Beach with a rush around the final turn. Through the stretch the 10-year-old Dragon Again gelding opened five lengths on the field and hit the finish with a five-and-a-half length advantage in a 1:54.1 mile. Avatar J closed off cover for second with Saulbrook Peach finishing third.
Owned by Francois Morin, Ufdragons Rocket won his seventh race from 33 starts this season and his 62nd from 294 overall, earning $476,614. Yves Tessier conditions the $7.10 winner.
Earlier in the 15-race card Vero Amore Bi closed from last to pull a 10-1 upset in the $8,600 Preferred Handicap Trot.
Lmc Mass Gem took the lead from Revenue Agent past the quarter in :28.1. Undercover Strike angled first over from fourth with Stormont Royalty tracking cover second over into a :58.3 half and advanced towards the pacesetter nearing three-quarters in 1:27.2. Pasadena Star joined the flow from third over all while Vero Amore Bi got shuffled to last into the final turn. But trainer-driver Michael Healey swung Vero Amore Bi around horses through the stretch and vaulted to a half-length victory in 1:57.4 over Pasadena Star closing for second. Lmc Mass Gem held third.
A five-year-old stallion by Manofmanymissions, Vero Amore Bi won his 11th race from 35 starts this season and his 18th from 56 overall, earning $197,740. Anna Lee Ramage owns the $23.80 winner.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.