Black Tie Bash back to sharpness

Black Tie Bash (Chapter Seven) returned to form after three consecutive harness racing losses at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Thursday (Sep. 22) to take the Preferred Handicap in his typical off-the-pace fashion.

He dropped back for Robert Shepherd off the start and took the six-hole. The gelding held position through the quarter in :28.2 and half in :57 before tipping onto cover.

He loomed second-over at three-quarters in 1:27.2 and swung out on the final turn. He rocketed into the straight and soared past pacesetter Capteur De Reve (Stephane Brosseau) for the two-and-a-quarter-length victory in 1:56.3.

Captuer De Reve was two lengths clear in second. Fit Bitt (Michel Lagace) got up for third by the slimmest of margins.

BLACK TIE BASH REPLAY

Shepherd owns Black Tie Bash, who has now earned $124,383 and has visited the winner’s circle 13 times in 55 starts. Isabelle Darveau trains the gelding. He has now won seven editions of the Rideau Carleton Preferred Handicap this year.

Also on the card, three-year-old State Treasurer son Delicate Sound won his seventh race in his past eight starts. Pascal Berube piloted him to the 1:55.1 victory. He is seven-for-10 lifetime for owner Aurel Harvey Et Files of Riviere-Malbaie. Marc-Andre Simoneau trains the gelding.

The top male pacers at Rideau Carleton will clash on the next card, set for Sunday, Sep. 25 with a 6:30 p.m. first post.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink