Ripped And Ready back on top

After his first back-to-back losses of the season, Ripped And Ready (Muscle Mass) recaptured the Preferred Handicap Trot harness racing crown at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Thursday (Jul. 4).

The five-year-old pushed forward to grab an early advantage and brought his three opponents to the quarter in :28. Driver Pascal Berube rated the speed to :57.4 and 1:26.1 middle splits, asking for more entering the far turn as Black Tie Bash (Robert Shepherd) loomed first-over.

Ripped And Ready trotted strongly to the finish, holding off a three-horse charge by a length to record the 1:54.4 victory. 

Crossfit (Jimmy Gagnon) was a clear second in the photo. Raising Rusty (Stephane Pouliot) nosed Black Tie Bash out for show.

RIPPED AND READY REPLAY

It was Ripped And Ready’s 18th career win in 52 lifetime starts, and it lifted his earnings total to $195,881. Thierry Vandenplas trains the stallion for Dr. Ruth Irving of Russell. Black Tie Bash had not lost two consecutive races this season before his Jul. 7 and Jul. 21 starts. He is now six-for-10 this season with three seconds – all in the top level at Rideau Carleton.

Pouliot was the day’s top driver with three wins.

Rideau Carleton Raceway will be in action next on Sunday, Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink