Owner-trainer-driver Michael Healey left the gate behind his pupil Vero Amore Bi as the second-longest shot on the board but nonetheless hit the beam first in the $9,200 Preferred Handicap Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday (June 27).
Leaving from the second tier, Vero Amore Bi landed in third as pylon-starter Cloud Nine Hanover led the field to the quarter in :28.3. Healey then sent his 7-year-old Manofmanymissions stallion after the lead through a :59 half to seize control and accelerate up the backside. Passing three-quarters in 1:27.1, Vero Amore Bi strolled off the turn and maintained his speed to the finish of a 1:56.4 mile while chased home by Magic Night, who took second by 1 3/4 lengths. Lestenpercent closed from near last for third.
Paying $55.40 to win, Vero Amore Bi won his second race from nine starts this season and his 25th from 86 overall, earning $232,499.
National Debt dashed off cover to best the quintet competing in the $9,200 Preferred Handicap Pace earlier in the card.
Sent the 2-5 favourite from his assigned post, National Debt floated to race last while Thrilling Times disputed the lead with Stonebridge Beach to a :27 first quarter. Stonebridge Beach yielded for the pocket past the stands while Racemup vacated his pylon spot to race first over to a :56.3 half.
National Debt caught that cover and sat steady as Racemup ranged to match strides with Thrilling Times by three-quarters in 1:24.2. Driver Pascal Berube then bolted the 10-year-old Allamerican Native stallion off the helmet into the stretch, sliding to a three-quarter length victory over Thrilling Times in 1:53.2. Racemup settled for third.
Owned by Francois Morin, National Debt won his fourth race from eight starts this season and his 70th from 206 overall, earning $631,639. Yves Tessier trains the $2.60 winner.
Trainer Mandy Archer sent three winners on the 12-race card. She opened the card with a win by Richsnortherndream ($2.70), visited the winner’s circle again in the middle of the card with Wisk Key K ($2.10) and snagged the penultimate race on the night with Vegas Rocks ($8.30).
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.