Black Tie Bash consolidates Rideau throne

After many weeks of harness racing dominance from Ripped And Ready, Black Tie Bash has emerged as the one to beat in the Preferred Trot ranks at Rideau Carleton Raceway with a third straight win on Thursday (Jul. 21).

Black Tie Bash made no attempt to defy post seven and dropped back to sixth, where he remained through an opening panel of :27.3. Robert Shepherd put the gelding on cover second-over approaching the half in :57.1 and was passed the first-over baton as Ripped And Ready (Pascal Berube) tucked into the two-hole gap.

Black Tie Bash continued making headway to three-quarters in 1:25.4 and was two lengths back entering the final turn. He dug into leader Overserved (Guy Gagnon) as they swung for home and kicked clear by two-and-a-half lengths in a 1:55.1 victory.

Beyond Kronos (Marie Claude Auger) closed for second. Overserved held onto third over Ripped And Ready. The winner paid $8.10.

BLACK TIE BASH REPLAY

Black Tie Bash hit six digits in earnings with the win, lifting his total to $105,168. He has won the last three Thursday Preferred Handicap Trots. Isabelle Darveau trains the gelding for owner Shepherd.

The Preferred pacers take the stage during Rideau Carleton Raceway’s next card on Sunday, Jul. 24 with a 6:30 p.m. EDT first post.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink