La Ferme Tag Inc.'s Neon Lights ($13.10) earned his second consecutive top-level win in the nation's capital, as he captured the $8,550 Not Listed Preferred Trot in 1:55.2 on Sunday evening (June 17) at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
Jonathan Lachance floated the four-year-old Chapter Seven gelding into a close stalking spot early, drafting from fourth behind Unabating's (Guy Gagnon) :27.1 first quarter before commencing a first-over ascent into a :56.1 half. Neon Lights gained steadily up the far side to assume level pegging with Unabating through a :29.1 third quarter before edging clear on the final turn. After putting away Unabating nearing head-stretch, Neon Lights worked to keep the late-rallying even-money choice Flying Isa N (Stephane Brosseau) at bay by 1-1/4 lengths. Third-place finisher Pasadena Star (Stephane Pouliot) was collared for the runner-up spot after making a three-wide bid on the far turn.
Gerard Demers trains Neon Lights, whose third seasonal win brought his career total to six.
In the $8,400 Not Listed Preferred for pacers, Cobalt Man overcame post 8 with little trouble and never looked back en route to his fourth top-level score in five starts, a 1:53.4 triumph over Killer Thriller.
Guy Gagnon sent the 10-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover to the front from the extreme outside as the gates sprung, and Cobalt Man worked to clear the pole-sitting Bestofbest Hanover (Melanie Plourde) through a :27.4 first quarter before travelling uncontested the remainder of the journey. Cobalt Man, who caught a :29.3 second-quarter breather, accelerated up the far side to a :27.4 third split and kept his momentum going to keep Killer Thriller (Brett MacDonald) — who circled three-wide to pass stalled cover on the far turn — 1-3/4 lengths at bay at the winning post. Bestofbest Hanover was a one-paced third after drafting from a clear pocket.
Gagnon, who also trains 46-time winner Cobalt Man, shares ownership with Gestion Louis Latulippe Inc. and Gestion Bruno Blouin Inc.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.