Harness News Update: Picks & Analysis for Rideau Carleton March 24th

A new harness racing season kicks off at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday (Mar. 24). The first of 11 dashes is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST with the feature being the Preferred Pace in the ninth race. The Pick 5 starts in race five and runs through to the ninth.

Race 1

Friar Voltaire (6) Has yet to win in 35 career starts but had a good stretch late last year.

Full Speed Steve (3) Qualified in 1:58.2 couple weeks ago which is almost a full second faster than his lifetime mark.

Shadow Dave (2) Has also never won a race yet but had a few top three finishes to end 2023.

Race 2

Century Jazz (4) Has had to qualify several time. If stays flat, his times are some of the best.

Matts Bank (6) Making his racing debut. Qualified in 2:00 and should improve.

Bestgirl In Town (7) Also making debut but she qualified in 2:02.2. If others go off stride, she could steal the race.

Race 3

Windsun Diego (3) Started 2024 racing at Woodbine Mohawk and even earned a win in 1:56.1.

Baylor Bobby (5) Also was racing at Woodbine Mohawk prior but wasn’t able to visit the winner’s circle. However his mile times are very comparable.

Ys Cheddar Wheel (4) Finished 2023 off strong. Qualified in 1:58.3 last week and will compete with the Woodbine Mohawk invaders.

Race 4

Iceneedswhiskey (3) Has already made 10 starts in 2024 and has finished second a few times. Has yest to win but the move to Rideau should help.

Giddy Up Max (1) Has a lifetime mark of 1:58 which was done at Rideau but has shown more during his time at Woodbine Mohawk

Tahuya Brew (5) With a lifetime mark of 1:54.2, he can be very dangerous if regains his top form.

Race 5

Xtra Cheese (3) Qualified in a speedy 1:55 and will likely show more.

Pop The Bubbly (4) Finished third in last start at Woodbine Mohawk and already has a win on the year in 1:59.1 at Flamboro Down.

Candid Cameron (5) A lifetime mark of 1:54 is competitive in this field.

Race 6

Dylans Bank (3) Spent time in the Preferred last year at Rideau Carleton. Should fair well to start his 2024.

Going Yard (6) Competed well at Woodbine Mohawk Park recently. Has three wins this year and the fastest was in 1:54.3.

Jadensmagicsteel (9) Has a 1:51.4 lifetime mark which was done at Rideau Carleton. Coming from post 9 could be a challenge.

Race 7

Light The Torch (4) Won four of his last six starts of 2023. In the other two starts he finished second. Will be tough to beat.

Viper (2) He doesn’t have the recent wins but his mile times are competitive.

Speaker Nancy (1) Has shown speed that competes with the field. A Lifetime mark of 1:50 at Woodbine Mohawk and has paced 1:53.4 at Rideau Carleton.

Race 8

Mask Of Zoro (4) Has competed in the Preferred at Rideau Carleton and should have a good chance in this class.

Meadowbranch Noble (1) Best finish of the year so far is a second place. Should be able to build off that.

Amigo Mio (3) Has shown speed and could win if a path is clear.

Race 9

P L Ozzy (5) Finished 2023 off at the Meadowlands and even won in 1:48.3 there. Finished third in the Gold Cup & Saucer last year.

The Light Speed (6) Has very competitive times although the favourite will be tough to beat.

Thrilling Times (4) Times are similar but needs to capitalize if someone else leaves an opening.

Race 10

Make It Come True (6) Is the most race tested this year and has a good base to build.

Irresistible (2) Finished 2023 with some solid efforts. If can match his best of 1:53.2, could be enough to win.

Realrubies At Play (1) Has comparable times and draws the rail. Can choose how to set up the race.

Race 11

Sunny Bo (4) Five wins in 2023 and will look to add. Battle test and already has made 141 career starts.

Late Night Dealer (1) Should compete well if doesn’t fall behind. The rail will help.

Flash To the Finish (2) Won at Flamboro Downs in 1:57.4 earlier this year. Has shown he can race well.

Pick 5 (Races 5-9)

Post time is 6:30 p.m. EST.

For the complete race entries, click here.

by Trey Colbeck, for Harnesslink