Away last to the quarter, National Debt marched for the lead and took over the front late to repeat in the $9,200 Preferred Pace at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday (July 25).
Springbridge Jim jetted to the lead past a :26.3 first quarer to pocket even-money favourite Vegas Rocks. While slowing the tempo to a :56.1 half, driver Pascal Berube angled National Debt first over from sixth and parked first over as Springbridge Jim quickened the tempo into the backstretch. He clicked three-quarters in 1:24 and maintained a diminishing lead around the final turn while National Debt crept closer and soon downed the tiring pacesetter. Vegas Rocks tried to rally from the pocket but settled for second by a half length in a 1:53 mile while Shadow Margeux took third via placing.
Owned by Francois Morin, National Debt won his sixth race from 11 starts this season and his 72nd from 209 overall, earning $640,839. Yves Tessier trains the $7.70 winner.
Seeyou Men strolled to the lead past the quarter in the $9,200 Preferred Handicap Trot and held onto victory at the beam of a 1:57.3 mile.
Trainer-driver Guy Gagnon cleared command past a :28.1 first quarter with Seeyou Men while Vero Amore Bi raced parked past the stands first time. With the pace slow to a :59 half, Vero Amore Bi ranged to race within a length of the leader and stayed alongside to three-quarters in 1:28 before tiring. That left Seeyou Men with a two-length lead off the turn as Crossfit kicked off cover and surged for the front late, but Seeyou Men hit the finish by a neck to win. Flying Isa N rode the pylons for third.
A nine-year-old gelding by Muscle Mass, Seeyou Men won his fourth race from 10 starts this season and his 33rd from 143 overall, earning $346,995. Catheline Pelletier and Chantal Gravel own the $6.70 winner.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.