I Ama Rocket returned to form after a seventh-place finish last week to win the $10,000 Preferred Handicap Pace on Sunday, June 29, the cherry on top of a three-win night for trainer-driver Guy Gagnon.
Leaving from post four, Gagnon slid the 1-5 favourite into the four-hole as a parked-out Lakers Bank (Darcy Clancy) grinded to the front through a :26.3 first panel. I Ama Rocket received second-over cover as Self Made (Stephane Brosseau) shifted out of the three-hole approaching the half in :56.3, and that rival towed him to three-quarters in 1:24.1.
I Ama Rocket launched three-wide at the third station and took aim at Lakers Bank with Beef N Cheddar (Pascal Berube) starting his attack up the rail. I Ama Rocket produced the best kick of the two closers and he edged out the tiring but game Lakers Bank on the line to score in 1:53.1. Lakers Bank held off Beef N Cheddar for second. The winner returned $2.50.
I Ama Rocket took his first Rideau Preferred win of the year in eight tries in the top class. He is five-for-16 overall this season for Gagnon, who trains the son of Custard The Dragon-Machs Rocket for Louise Ricard of Gatineau, Que. The nine-year-old gelding has now won 47 of 199 career outings and earned $446,941.
Gagnon, the leading driver and second-placed trainer at Rideau, took his first win of the night in the fifth race as he won by a head with GA Speed Matrix ($10.10) from his barn in 1:54.3. He completed the triple in the eighth race as his trainee Carson Star Choice ($3.80) cut the mile in a 1:54.2 victory.
He has racked up 88 driving wins this year and more than $440,000 as he aims for his fourth straight million-dollar season in the bike. His training triple boosted his 2025 tally to 36.
To view Sunday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada)