Paddington and Imjustalittleguy played the role of the spoiler in their respective $14,000 Preferred assignments during Sunday evening's 15-race program at Rideau
Carleton Raceway.
Guy Gagnon mapped out a sweet two-hole trip for Paddington in the Preferred Trot, and the seven-year-old son of Credit Winner knew what to do with it when he found open road in the stretch. The seven-year-old son of Credit Winner came after tempo-setter Star Ruffnready in deep stretch, and a :28.4 final quarter fro Paddington was just enough speed to earn the gelding the nose decision. Star Ruffnready was a determined runner-up behind the 1:56.2 winner, while Make You Mine settled for the show dough.
Gerard Demers conditions the trotter, who pulled off the 15-1 upset for the 9174 7998 Quebec Inc of Blainville, Quebec. It was the first start for the new connections, who shelled out $22,000 to claim the trotter on June 27. The win was his fourth of the season and the 21st of his career. He now boasts earnings in excess of $215,000.
Imjustalittleguy, who was sent off as the second choice in the wagering the Preferred Pace, also managed to eke out a narrow victory after enjoying a ground-saving trip throughout his assignment. The eight-year-old son of Armbro Operative used a :29-second closing panel to win by one-quarter of a length in a time of 1:53.3. The odds-on favourite, Mats Havin A Ball, had to settle for the runner-up award, while Aint No Hearsay took home third prize.
Ted McDonald trains and drover the gelding to the victory for the partnership of Lloyd Stone of Portland and Dr. John Tobin of Elgin, Ontario. The veteran square gaiter, who is now 3-for-10 this season, won for the 37th time in is career. The victory pushed his lifetime earnings past $300,000.
To view Sunday’s results, click here.