Just a single $7,500 division went to the gate in Sunday’s third leg of the Boys of Summer Pacing Series at Rideau Carleton Raceway, and the winner was a breath of fresh air for the longshot lovers
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After finishing seventh and fourth in the first two legs of the series, Apocalypto stepped up his game en route to posting a narrow victory in 1:57.3 for driver Jonathan Lachance. The two-year-old son of Mcardle-Costa Del Sol, who was sent off at odds 16-1, prevailed by a head after sitting a pocket trip throughout the mile.
Tank Murdock, who was one half of a heavily-favoured Jason Gilchrist-trained entry, laid down panels of :29, :58.4 and 1:27.2 before getting out-sprinted in the final strides of the mile. Apocalypto used a :29.3 final frame to secure the win over Tank Murdock, with Mcmurray Hanover rallying to grab the show dough.
Mario Lachance conditions the colt for owner/breeder Mathieu Lachance of Mirabel, QC. It was a maiden-breaking victory for the homebred.
In other Sunday evening action, Legacy N Diamonds eked out a nose decision in the $12,100 Preferred Pace for the tandem of driver Darrell Coville and trainer John MacMillan. The son of The Panderosa-Lady Luvs Diamonds, who was sent off as the second choice in the wagering, halted the clock in 1:54 thanks in part to an individual final quarter clocked in :27.1.
Coville was in no hurry with his charge, who was charted sixth when Best Show In Town broke the teletimer beam at the quarter pole in :26.4. That front-stepper put the field at the mid-way point in :57.3 and three-quarter pole in 1:26.1 before getting collared. Legacy N Diamonds, who tipped out at the mid-way point and picked up cover, rolled off the helmet he was following and used a shark closing kick to post the narrow win over Match Bayama, who sat the garden trip throughout the mile. Best Show In Town was nearly two lengths back in third.
Percy Elkins of Campbellville, ON laid down $75,000 to purchase Legacy N Diamonds out of last month’s Spring Fling Mixed Sale, and since the acquisition the pacer has put together a 3-1-0 record in six tries and recouped $23,111 of his purchase price.
To view Sunday’s harness racing results, click here.