After just missing by a nose in last week's feature, Warrawee Xalt got his nose on the wire first for a narrow decision in the $10,000 Preferred Trot on Thursday, July 11 at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
Ryan Guy asked Warrawee Xalt for early speed and position from post three, and got on top early to force favoured Black Tie Bask (Robert Shepherd) to drive up uncovered around the opening turn. Black Tie Bash made the lead after a :28.3 opening panel and looked comfortable through a :57.3 half.
Ima Standup Guy (Pascal Berube) started a first-over attack after the midway point, towing Emma Town Bud (Pierre Bovay) into striking range second over down the backside. Black Tie Bash maintained his composure through a 1:27 third station but all five of the entrants appeared in contention some 400 metres from the wire.
Turning for home, Emma Town Bud angled off Berube's helmet to take aim on the leader down the centre of the track. Warrawee Xalt was angled the opposite way — into the passing lane. With pressure mounting on either side, Black Tie Bash trotted valiantly to the wire but was unable to prevail in his return to Ottawa. Warrawee Xalt just got there before him, with the mile timed in 1:56. Black Tie Bash was a nose back in second, with Emma Town Bud a head off the leader in third.
Patrick Dillon trains and co-owns Warrawee Xalt (Royalty For Life-Noble Peace Prize) with Patti Hoskin of Port Hope, Ont. The win, his fourth of the season, gives the five-year-old trotter 17 lifetime tallies with more than $243,000 in earnings. As the 3-1 third choice, Warrawee Xalt paid $8.70 to win.
For the results from Thursday's card of harness racing outside the nation's capital, click the following link: Thursday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada)