Its A Good Thing needed every inch of Rideau Carleton Raceway’s stretch to rally to a 1:53.4 score in Thursday’s $13,000 Preferred Pace, and the victory was music to the ears of the longshot players who backed him at
odds of 20-1.
Trainer/driver Gary McDonald got away third with the five-year-old son of Western Maverick while Imjustalittleguy shot to the top and threw down first half factions of :27.3 and :56.3. Imjustalittleguy was still in command at the three-quarter pole in 1:25.1, while McDonald and Its A Good Thing found themselves shuffled back to fifth with just a quarter mile of the contest remaining.
McDonald found the gelding some room in the lane and used a :27.4 final quarter to power to the neck decision over Firethorn in 1:53.4. Best Show In Town was a lapped-on third, while Imjustalittleguy giving way late en route to being a lapped-on fourth.
Gary and Suzanne McDonald of Edwards, ON share ownership on Its A Good Thing who won for the fourth time this season and for the 15th time in his career. He has banked more than $186,000 to date.
Sebastien Giroux and Guy Gagnon enjoyed a terrific night at the office thanks to their four and six-win performances on the 15-race card.
Gagnon mapped out the trips for all four of Giroux’s winners, and he tacked on two more wins in what was a memorable evening at the track.
Giroux’s winners were Lukes Devon (2:00.2), JCs Kadabra (1:58.4), Pumped And Glidin (1:58.3) and Totallyfree De Vie (1:57.1). Gagnon also clicked with Magical Mark (1:58.2) and Four Starz Hold Em (1:55.4).
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.