Off victories in their respective Preferred events last week, National Debt and Lestenpercent stepped back up to the plate to collect wins in the $9,200 featured events on Sunday (March 21) at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
National Debt was first to bit, competing in the Preferred Pace from an assigned post. Leaving from post 8, the 10-year-old Allamerican Native stallion landed fifth to a :26 opening quarter set by a speed battle between 9-5 favourite Racemup and pylon-starter Oceanview Magnum.
The pair settled the early squabble with Oceanview Magnum holding the lead but keeping the pace hot to a :54.1 half, all while driver Pascal Berube readied National Debt for an outside bid. Catching cover to three-quarters in 1:22.4, National Debt vaulted around tiring horses to take the lead off the corner and scoot away to a one-and-a-quarter length win over Officer Jones. Racemup held third.
Owned by Francois Morin, National Debt won his 68th race from 202 starts, earning $619,679. Yves Tessier trains the $7.20 winner.
Later in the card came Lestenpercent’s victory in the Preferred Handicap Trot. Leaving from post 6, the six-year-old Justice Hall gelding trailed the on-stride five to a :27.3 first quarter before angling off the pegs and slowly advancing towards the front through middle fractions of :57.4 and 1:27.2. Wildwild Men, holding the lead through the mile, continued to lead the field straightening for the finish, but soon gave way as Lestenpercent launched by to a length victory over LMC Mass Gem.
Trained by owner Paul Laframboise, Lestenpercent won his 22nd race from 79 starts, earning $111,305. Rodney La Framboise drove the $6.50 winner.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.