Launching a bid from last, The Magic Of Life rallied to a 1:57.2 victory in the co-featured $10,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday (March 27).
Trainer/driver Robert Robinson settled the six-year-old Royalty For Life gelding to race eighth of the octet by a :28 first quarter set by Seeyou Men, who seized the lead from Raising Rusty passing the stands. Coming to a :58 half, Robinson floated The Magic Of Life off the pegs and grabbed cover to race second over into the backside while 7-5 favourite Crossfit led uncovered on the rim to three-quarters in 1:28.1. He pressed forward to challenge and then take the lead from Seeyou Men off the corner but could not hold off The Magic Of Life when Robinson sprung him off cover. Through the stretch, The Magic Of Life slid to a 2-1/4-length victory over Crossfit with Seeyou Men settling for third and Gloire Dream taking fourth.
Co-owned by Robinson with Jacqueline Dinelle, The Magic Of Life won his first race from six starts this season and his 12th from 85 overall, increasing his lifetime earnings to $96,070. He paid $9.70 to win.
Lovemyrockinbird led at every step in the $10,500 Preferred Handicap Pace to win in 1:53.3. The five-year-old Mystery Chase gelding set a clip of :28.4, :57.3 and 1:26 under minimal pressure while even-money favourite The Light Speed sat parked in the rear of the field and made no gains through the mile. With the slow tempo, Lovemyrockinbird ripped for home with a :27.3 final quarter to win by 2-1/4 lengths over pocket-sitter Outkast Blue Chip. Legion Seelster finished third and St Lads Cash took fourth.
Owned by Limco Inc., Lovemyrockinbird won his fourth race from 11 starts this season and his 10th from 47 overall, increasing his career earnings to $116,154. Marie-Claude Auger drove the $7.40 winner for trainer Victor Puddy.
Earlier in the card, Mike Armstrong trainee Vines To Heaven recorded her fifth consecutive win when taking an $8,500 conditioned claiming pace in 1:55.4. Driver Sam Fillion sat fifth with the seven-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven mare before grabbing cover to race second over and then vaulting for the lead heading for home to nail pacesetter Vanilla Malted by three-quarter lengths. Andrea Rennison owns the $7 winner.
To view Sunday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.