A group of six faced the starting gate in Thursday’s $12,000 Preferred Pace at Rideau Carleton Raceway, and the betting public was all over the eventual winner, Peenie.
The seven-year-old son of Real Artist-Tre Cress, who was sent off as the 6-5 favourite, scooted to the engine and ripped through fractions of :27.4, :56 and 1:23.4 before using a :28.2 closing panel to win by 3-1/2 lengths over Beach Runner A M in 1:52.1. Third prize was earned by Chasin Racin.
Denis St. Pierre mapped out the winning trip for the Colin Johnson-trained Peenie, who improved his 2012 record to 4-1-2 from 16 starts with the win. The 40-time winner, who is owned by Johnson of Le Gardeur and Ecurie JGV Enrg of Laval, QC, has stashed away more than $556,000 in his career.
Driver John MacDonald enjoyed a profitable night at the office, as well, thanks to his five-win performance. He clicked with Silverdollar Shark, Rockin To Do, Cantrotalot, Wallace Hanover and Chip Dot Com to bring his yearly win total to 158 and his lifetime total to 2,488.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.