Ten-year-old hits quarter million in Preferred score

Cheque The Magic (Kadabra) surpassed $250,000 in career harness racing earnings and lowered his lifetime mark as he won the Preferred Handicap Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Thursday (Jun. 2).

Driver/trainer Ted McDonald made an authoritative move to the front with the 10-year-old and forced Rideau stalwart Seeyou Men (Guy Gagnon) into the pocket as they trotted to the quarter in :28. Cheque The Magic continued to the half in :58 and held first-over rival Lestenpercent (Paul Laframboise) at bay going to three-quarters in 1:26.2.

As they entered the stretch, Seeyou Men dived to the pylons and unleashed a quick burst, but Cheque The Magic hit his top stride and maintained a half-length advantage to the line in a 1:56 victory.

Seeyou Men held off Black Tie Bash (Robert Shepherd) for place. The winner paid $28.10 to win.

Cheque The Magic’s win was his 37th in 287 career starts. His time of 1:56 is a new lifetime mark. Julie Ferguson of Greely and Lloyd Stone of Portland (Ont.) own the gelding that has now made $253,325.

Also on the card, sophomore Heston Blue Chip gelding Dragon City destroyed his rivals on debut. He went wire-to-wire under the guidance of Joshua Miller and won by 10 lengths in 1:53.3, the fastest time this season for a three-year-old pacer on a five-eighths mile track in Canada. Christina Miller conditions him for Scott Miller of Massena, who currently leases the gelding from owner Barbara Hudson of Chateaugay. The win was the first of the season for both the trainer and driver.

The horse is nominated only to the International Stallion Stakes.

Rideau Carleton Raceway will see action again on Sunday, Jun. 5.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink