Off the longest shot on the board, Cheque The Magic held the lead narrowly at the finish to upset the $8,600 Preferred Handicap Trot at odds of 19-1 on Sunday (March 1) at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
Trainer-driver Ted McDonald took command with Cheque The Magic and endured first-over pressure from Revenue Agent through fractions of :27.1, :57.3 and 1:26. Pasadena Star sat second over before pulling three wide nearing the final turn to mount a charge towards Cheque The Magic moving into the stretch. With two lengths to recoup, Pasadena Star slimmed Cheque The Magic’s advantage through the lane but hit the finish a head short of victory while Abc Muscles Boy snuck into contention for third.
Returning $41.20 to win, Cheque The Magic—an eight-year-old gelding by Kadabra—races for owners Julie Ferguson and Lloyd Stone. He won his 28th race from 215 starts, earning $180,831.
Meanwhile trainer Guy Gagnon scored three victories on the 11-race card. Steering each of his winners, Gagnon visited the winner’s circle early with Upvote Hanover ($3.70) and returned later with Kinda Like Her ($2.70) before capping his evening with a wire-to-wire win by Saulsbrook Peach ($4.60).
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.