Overlooked at odds of 18-1 despite riding a three-race win streak that includes his last start in the Winners Over Handicap Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway, Euro Classic continued his winning crusade after a two-week rest on Sunday night.
Last week's winner Michelangelo was the 6-5 favourite in Sunday's $6,800 Winners Over and he left out between Rocky Boy and Four Starz Speed in a three-way duel through an opening quarter in :27.3. Michelangelo eventually cleared and then Four Starz Speed made the lead as they raced past the grandstand. As Four Starz Speed approached the half in :57.3, Warrawee Proton advanced first over from fifth. Another three-wide battle was brewing with Euro Classic, in rein to Per Henriksen, tracking cover and then circling rivals at the three-quarters in 1:29.2. The five-year-old gelded son of Chocolatier took over in the final turn and opened up by two and three-quarter lengths en route to a season's best 1:58.2 victory. Early trailer Broadway Prince came through for second-place honours while Undercover Bro finished back in third.
Euro Classic, who was victorious in this class last time out on March 6, returned a healthy $39 for a $2 Win ticket.
The trotter is now four-for-six this year after a winless, six-race 2015 campaign. Trainer Ann Karin Larsen shares ownership of the 28-time career winner with Tor Jan Larsen and Odd Larsen.
Trainer Johanne Begin teamed up with driver Jacques Beaudoin for the most wins on the 10-race card, scoring with Collector Classic ($4.70), Stonebridge Rich ($5.80) and Racing For Space ($18.60).
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.