Odds-on favourite Crossfit cleared to the front after the quarter and held firm to the finish to take the $10,500 Preferred Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday (Feb. 20).
LMC Mass Gem led the field to a :28.1 first quarter before yielding command to Crossfit passing the stands first time. The Magic Of Life pulled first over out of fourth moving to a :58.4 half but stalled up the backside as the tempo quickened slightly to three-quarters in 1:27.1. Crossfit continued to lead off the corner and withstood a late second-over charge from Seeyou Men to win by three-quarter lengths in 1:57.3. The Magic Of Life finished third and LMC Mass Gem took fourth.
Trained by Victor Puddy for owners Gordon McDonald and Christopher Boland, Crossfit won his 20th race from 87 starts, pushing his earnings to $222,159. Marie-Claude Auger drove the $3.60 winner.
National Debt dashed from near last to take the $10,500 Preferred Pace in 1:56.2.
The Light Speed, sent the odds-on favourite, grabbed the top by a :28.1 first quarter and slowed the tempo to a :59 half, prompting Hes Got A Vendetta to march uncovered out of fourth and press for the pace. He continued to challenge for the lead to three-quarters in 1:27 all while National Debt caught cover to race third over to the final turn. Driver Pascal Berube sprung the 11-year-old Allamerican Native stallion off cover rounding the bend, rolling with the most momentum to the finish, landing a half length in front of The Light Speed at the beam. Outkast Blue Chip kicked from last to take third and Hes Got A Vendetta took fourth.
Owned by Francois Morin, National Debt won his 81st race from 228 starts, pushing his earnings to $695,243. Yves Tessier trains the $9.80 winner.
Trainer Mandy Archer scored three wins on the card. She collected wins with Wisk Key K ($3.50), Sauble Delightful ($2.60) and R Bazingga ($5.80).
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.