Mystical Ryan dominated a field of Preferred trotters in the featured $13,000 event Friday night at Rideau Carleton Raceway
.
Driver John MacDonald directed the nine-year-old gelding to the top from post position six and carved out fractions of :28, :57.3 and 1:26 while pocket-sitter Paddington (Per Henriksen) made a break from the two-hole. The son of Striking Sahbra-Eclectia, who had built up a five length lead by the third quarter station, eased home to score the 1:56.2 triumph with Pearson Hanover (Stephane Brosseau) finishing one and three-quarter lengths behind in second after inheriting the pocket spot. Boy Meets Grill (Denis St. Pierre) came on for third.
Mystical Ryan paid $10.70 to win as the 4-1 fourth choice in the field. Jamie Johnston trains and co-owns the veteran trotter with Sonja Johnston of Edwards, Ont. and Cara Johnston of Russell, Ont.
Mystical Ryan, who has hit the board in four consecutive Preferred Handicapped Trots at Rideau, improved his seasonal record to 8-10-3 while making his 28th start. His 2011 earnings climbed to $118,495 and his total bankroll jumped to $653,097.
For results from Friday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Friday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.