Slight Touch followed live cover and blew by his foes in the stretch to win Sunday's featured $6,500 Winners Over Handicap Pace and earn his third consecutive victory at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
Allstar Seelster established the lead off the gate with Sovereign Wealth settling into the pocket spot by the first quarter, which was timed in 27 seconds. However, the popular newcomer Beach Hero was on the move and took over command as the field moved in front of the grandstand for the first time.
Meanwhile, Smokeys Luck led the charge from the backfield first-up through middle splits of :56 and 1:24.3, with Slight Touch and driver Clarke Steacy tracking his cover and Miramontman also in the outer flow.
Smokeys Luck cleared the 4-5 favourite at the third quarter mark and Slight Touch pursued that rival, eventually surging by to win two lengths in 1:54.1. Miramontman followed in second and Electric Albert came on for third.
Racing from the Matthew McDonald stable, the Badlands Hanover gelding is now three-for-five since being claimed in late July for $8,000 at Mohawk Racetrack by Ottawa owner Mark Lesaux.
Sent postward as the 5-2 second choice, Slight Touch paid $7.30 to win.
The five-year-old pacer is a 22-time career winner with purse earnings amounting to $169,194.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.