Racing For Space ($8.20) eked out a second straight victory over rival Atomic Million AM in the $6,500 Winners Over Handicap Pace at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday night (June 19).
After Racing For Space held off the pocket-pulling Atomic Million AM last week by a head in 1:53.3, they raced one-two in reverse order during Sunday's match-up (with Curator stalking first over) before Racing For Space eventually defeated the favourite again. The Johanne Begin trainee came through the passing lane to win by a head in 1:53.1. Driver Jacques Beaudoin shares ownership of the five-year-old Real Desire gelding with Maurice Houle.
In the other pacing division, Denis Guindon's 11-year-old gelding Viper Select ($6.30) and Guy Gagnon held off favourite Mr Massimo to win by a quarter-length in 1:53 after retaking the lead at the quarter pole. Beach Runner AM rallied off Mr Massimo's cover to make it within a half-length of the winning son of Dauntless Bunny.
Raising Richard ($5.90) delivered as the favourite in the $6,800 Winners Over Handicap Trot with Rheo Filion guiding him to his second win in a row and 10th of the season. After retaking the lead at the quarter, he turned back first over Heres The Magic and then held off closers Stonebridge Rich and Maximuscle by three-quarters of a length in 1:57.2. Trainer John MacMillan shares ownership of the four-year-old Deweycheatumnhowe gelding with 2099551 Ontario Inc.
In other action, 20-year-old Drew Smyth celebrated his first career training win when his own pacer Plans Over pulled off a 12-1 upset defeating favourite Terror Suspect in the fourth race for $6,500 claimers. Richard Simard drove the six-year-old Badlands Hanover gelding, who swept out to a three-length lead off a ground-saving trip in deep stretch for the 1:56.3 victory. He paid $27.60 to win. Plans Over won his second start for Smyth, who co-owns with Macy Cassell. The resident of Metcalfe, Ont. picked up his first win in just his 10th career start as a trainer.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.