Defeated by a mere nose in his last outing one week ago, Star Ruffnready turned the tables on his competition and got up in time to score the victory on Friday night in the $13,000 Preferred Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway
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Sos Breezer (Ted McDonald) cleared the lead before the :28-second first quarter pole but Perfect Vacation pulled the pocket and took over as they headed in front of the grandstand for the first time. Perfect Vacation took the field to the half in :58.3 with Summerhill Charles (Stephane Gendron) on the move from third and Star Ruffnready (Rheo Filion) picking up the cover.
Down the backside, Summerhill Charles swept up to take over with Star Ruffnready gapping cover and 2-1 favourite Watkins rolling three-wide by three-quarters in 1:27.2. Star Ruffnready picked up the pace leaving Watkins (Richard Webb) outside around the final bend and surged to a 1:56.2 victory by a neck over Summerhill Charles. Watkins finished three-quarters of a length behind.
Despite finishing a close second as the favourite last Friday night, Star Ruffnready was sent postward as the 5-1 fourth choice in the field and paid $13 to win. The six-year-old gelded son of Armbro Winner-Star Wild Orchid has recorded two wins and two seconds in six 2011 outings while banking just over $20,000 for trainer James Lamacchia and owners Pepiniere Nicky Inc. of Lery and Lewis Murphy of St. Etienne-De-Beauharnois, Que. star Ruffnready's 10th career win boosted his total earnings over the $300,000 plateau.
Horseman Per Henriksen drove four winners on the 15-race program including three of his own trainees.
For results from Friday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Friday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.