Summerhill Charles and driver Stephane Gendron took over command down the backside and held off his opponents to prevail in the featured $13,000 Preferred Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Friday night
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Paddington (Stephane Pouliot) settled on top ahead of inside starter Hesgotlegs (Gary McDonald) and the popular Summerhill Charles at the start of the sixth race event. The early leader put up a :28.1 opening quarter before Guilford (Ted McDonald) moved underway from the backfield, flushing Summerhill Charles out from third in front of the grandstand.
Summerhill Charles continued to advance as the field passed the half in :58.4, where Hesgotlgs made a break from the pocket causing interference to Star Ruffnready (Rheo Filion) in behind.
Summerhill Charles took over before the 1:27.3 third quarter mark with Guilford tucking into the pocket around the turn. The Jamie Copley trainee opened up a two length lead down the stretch allowing him to hold off a late rush from Star Ruffnready by half a length, in 1:57.1. Windshear (Robert Robinson) came on for third.
Summerhill Charles paid $4.10 to win as the bettor’s choice. The win was his fourth in nine starts this year pushing his earnings to $32,195 for Copley and co-owner Ecuries Maguire Inc. of Sainte-Marie, Que. The six-year-old Duke Of York-Elbow Room gelding has won 14 times over the course of his career while banking $145,636.
For results from Friday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Friday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.