Trainer-driver Guy Gagnon grabbed the lead with The Light Speed and held control to the finish of a 1:52 mile to take the $10,000 Preferred Handicap Pace on Sunday night (May 21).
The Light Speed cleared control from post seven to a :26.3 first quarter and pocketed Flash Cube while Mayhem Like Me, the co-favourite at 3-2, raced parked and forged forward. Mayhem Like Me loomed nearer to the leader through a :56 half and drew to within a length of the leader to three-quarters in 1:24. The Light Speed inched away with his inside advantage around the final turn but faced a resurgent Mayhem Like Me through the stretch. Gagnon was able to hold off the gelding from the hot Mandy Archer barn to win by a neck with Flash Cube taking third and Thrilling Times in fourth.
The Light Speed is a homebred for Michel Nolette. The gelding won his 33rd race from 80 starts and has banked $241,079. He paid $5.10 to win.
Though Mandy Archer just missed in the feature, her stable still nabbed four victories on the 10-race card. Her wins came with Private Scott (1:52.3 winning mile; $2.50 to win), Never Mind N (1:56; $4.90), Smilingbillythekid (1:54.1; $9.80) and Shake N Blake (1:55.4; $5.40).
To view Sunday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.