Rideau Carleton Raceway's leading driver Guy Gagnon wrapped up a multiple-win night on Sunday (August 12) with his trainee Cobalt Man ending a three-race runner-up streak in the $8,100 Preferred Handicap Pace.
A consistent performer in the top pacing class, Cobalt Man was the even-money favourite and he moved to the front after a contested :27 opening panel. The son of Rocknroll Hanover posted middle splits of :55.3 and 1:23.4 while turning back first-over challenger Stonebridge Beach en route to victory in a season's best 1:52 flat. Early leavers The Roadies and Atomic Million AM followed in second and third, respectively.
Claimed this past spring for $25,000 at Woodbine Racetrack, Cobalt Man is owned by Ecuries Guy Gagnon Inc., Gestion Louis Latulippe Inc., and Gestion Bruno Blouin Inc. The 10-year-old gelding has earned 10 of his 48 career wins this year.
Cobalt Man was Gagnon's fourth winning drive on the 11-race card and third from his own stable. Among his wins, he also guided the streaking favourite Bet I Can Fly ($2.50) first-over to a career-best 1:53.3 victory by a neck over pylon-skimming Bettim Chris in the $14,100 final of the Hard Rocking Gents Claiming Series for owner Louison Morin.
The weekly edition of the Preferred Handicap for trotters went to the mare Majestic Kat ($8.80), who quarter-poled to the lead and prevailed by half a length over the pocketed Ghirardelli Lindy in 1:56.3 for the father-son team of Mark and Clarke Steacy. The four-year-old daughter of Majestic Son is owned by David McDonald, Stephen Klunowski, and A K Malik Stable. The Gagnon-trained Unabating finished third.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.