After suffering defeat in four straight starts, a change of tactics got Doubleshotascotch ($9.90) back in the win column with a pillar-to-post, 1:59.3 score in Sunday's (Sept. 30) featured $1,100 winners-over pace at Inverness Raceway.
The 12-year-old Dragon Again gelding failed to make much impact from off the pace in previous September tries, although he did rally for second behind Makes Me Stupid in last week's top-level contest. On this occasion, driver Ryan Campbell sent him to a clear lead from post 3, and the pair controlled early fractions of :29.2 and :58.4 before facing a first-over threat from Makes Me Stupid (Rodney Gillis) through a :30.2 third quarter.
While Doubleshotascotch could only get within 4-1/4 lengths of Makes Me Stupid last week, the veteran rose to the occasion this time, prevailing by half a length under sustained stretch pressure. Blackriver Ripper (Redmond Doucet) found room late to take third.
Trainer John MacDonald owns Doubleshotascotch, who earned his 46th career win.
Redmond Doucet recorded a hat trick on the seven-race card, teaming up with Kennairn Fame ($3.70, 2:00.3), MacNamarra ($2.90, 1:59.2) and Tipperbackjack ($4.00, 1:59.2).
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Inverness Raceway.