Early Action got up late in a three-across thriller in the $10,000 Preferred Handicap Pace, which highlighted Rideau Carleton Raceway's 10-race card on Sunday, Sept. 22. Meanwhile, Guy Gagnon picked up four winners on the night as both a trainer and driver.
Leaving from post two in the field of five, Early Action and driver Ryan Guy got away fourth on the first turn while I Ama Rocket (Marie-Claude Auger) cut the quarter in :27. Day Delight (Jimmy Gagnon) was the first to move, driving to the leader's wheel from third with I Ama Rocket leading to the half in :56. Early Action was poised to tip three-wide from second-over as Day Delight began to retreat and I Ama Rocket leading to three-quarters in 1:23.4.
Early Action powered into third with a three-deep rally on the far turn, moving within 2-1/2 lengths of I Ama Rocket, who looked to give the field the slip turning for home. Early Action surged in the lane, tracking down I Ama Rocket but now needing to fend off the other Gagnon trainee, The Light Speed (Guy Gagnon), who was rolling to his outside. Early Action was able to get to the line first, a head in front of The Light Speed and three parts of a length ahead of I Ama Rocket, who held for third, in 1:52.2.
From the Mandy Archer barn, Early Action is a five-time winner this season in 24 outings. Owned by Jamie Copely and Kimberly Eaton, the five-year-old gelded son of Huntsville-Fashion Katie has banked $660,068 for his career.
While having to settle for second and third in the Preferred, Guy Gagnon more than made up for it with four other training wins on the card.
Gagnon snagged the victory in the two races prior to the Preferred, the first coming with Carson Star Choice, who won his 13th of the year, before coming right back in the next race with Bandura in the evening's fourth race.
Gagnon followed the Preferred with Thedoginthefight winning by a nose in a thriller in the sixth race of the card, before Flash Cube went gate-to-wire in the eighth to give Gagnon his fourth winner as both driver and trainer on the evening.
In the penultimate race on the card, Mythic Gambler delivered his fifth straight of the season, sitting the pocket behind Shotgun Jerry (Stephane Pouliot) before making his move turning for home and crossing the wire two lengths clear of Frozen Hanover (Stephane Brosseau) in 1:52.
Now a seven-time winner in 10 starts this year, Mythic Gambler is trained by Catherine Girard for owner Kozen Farms. The lightly raced six-year-old gelded son of Bettors Delight-Mythical has won 12 of 16 for his career, banking $45,992.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada)