Fans that sent Did It Again off as the favourite in Sunday’s $14,000 Preferred Pace at Rideau Carleton Raceway got a scare at the start of the race
when he rolled off stride, but despite the rocky start there was a happy ending for the gelding and his backers.
Despite the early faux pas, the five-year-old son of Western Hanover regained his composure and made a startling recovery for driver Stephane Gendron and trainer Jamie Copley. The pacer’s 1:56 triumph was one of three trips to victory lane for Copley, who leads all trainers at Rideau Carleton Raceway in 2010.
Did It Again, who sat last at the mid-way point in the Sunday evening tilt, made a three-wide move after the leaders at the three-quarter pole before uncorking a :29.2 final frame en route to the head decision. Aint No Hearsay did most of the roadwork before getting picked off and settling for the runner-up award. Third prize went to Amazon Art.
Jacob Copley of Greely, Ontario holds the papers on the pacer, who was plucked out of a claimer for $25,000 last December. Since the acquisition he has banked in excess of $35,000.
Ton Of Pace Pacing Series Beings
The Sunday evening program at Rideau Carleton Raceway also saw an army of claiming horses compete in the opening leg of the Ton Of Pace Pacing Series. Five divisions worth $5,200 apiece went postward for the horses and geldings.
Winning their respective assignments were:
• Cherry Grove - 1:57.4
• Fit For Carl – 1:58.2
• Au Revoir Ace - 1:57.3
• Pathanagger - 1:58
• Gonzenbach - 1:59.2
Pacers raced for claiming tags of $6,500 in Sunday’s opening leg, but they’ll race for the price of $7,800 in next Sunday’s second leg. The $12,500 (added) final is scheduled for Sunday, March 28.
To view Sunday’s results, click here.