Odds-on favourite Ripped And Ready grabbed the lead in the final half and held firm to the finish to post a 1:54.3 victory in the $10,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Thursday night (June 30).
Driver Pascal Berube floated Ripped And Ready to race fourth to a :27.1 first quarter set by Fit Bitt, who protected position from the pylon post to lead the field by the stands first time. Berube then moved with the five-year-old Muscle Mass stallion through a :57.2 half and hustled to take over the lead before three-quarters in 1:25.2. Despite the rush into the quick third quarter, Ripped And Ready strode for home in charge to best Fit Bitt by 1-3/4 lengths while Gloire Dream faded to finish third in a dead heat with fast-closing Black Tie Bash.
Ripped And Ready races for owner Dr. Ruth Irving and won his fifth race from seven starts this season and his 17th from 49 overall. The Thierry Vandenplas trainee has earned $187,166 and returned $3 to win.
To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.