Black Tie Bash super sharp in first-up triumph

Black Tie Bash (Chapter Seven) braved the breeze to earn his fifth harness racing win in his past six starts in the Preferred Handicap Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Thursday (Aug. 18).

The four-year-old was away fifth in a :28 first quarter. Driver Robert Shepherd pulled the trigger in the second quarter and advanced the gelding first-over to the half in :57.3. He eclipsed leader Overserved (Guy Gagnon) on the outside as they hit three-quarters in 1:25.3 and rolled to the front.

Black Tie Bash turned for the finish with a two-length advantage and coasted home under wraps to score by a length-and-a-quarter in 1:54.3.

Holdin Aces (Samuel Fillion) passed all but one to finish second. Raising Rusty’s (Stephane Pouliot) closing effort landed him third.

BLACK TIE BASH REPLAY

Black Tie Bash has now won five Preferred Handicaps in his past six outings for trainer Isabelle Darveau. Shepherd owns the four-year-old, who is now 12-for-51 lifetime with a $116,508 bankroll.

The starting gate will roll at Rideau Carleton Raceway next on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink