Village Jamie claim pays off immediately

Village Jamie made a good first impression on new owners as the harness racing mare fought for victory in the Rideau Carleton Raceway feature on Thursday after being claimed on Jul. 15.

Driver Richard Simard ordered Village Jamie forward into a contested early pace at the start, and the mare earned the right to lead after a :28 first quarter mile spent on the outside. The field allowed her a softer second panel, going to the half in :58.2, but Wildcat Delight (Marc St. Louis Jr.) attacked-first over on the second turn and spurred the leader back into gear.

Asked to quicken by Simard, Village Jamie responded by accelerating to three-quarters in 1:27.1. Wildcat Delight threw in the towel on the final bend, but Reys N A Rocket (Ryan Guy), who won the previous week’s edition of the class, kicked three-wide and presented a new challenge. Reys N A Rocket gave her all for Guy, but Village Jamie held her head in front at the finish for a 1:56 score.

Reys N A Rocket finished second. Fancy Girl (Francis Picard) stalked the leaders throughout but could not improve on her third-place positioning.

VILLAGE JAMIE REPLAY

Jamie Copley of Kenmore and Mark Smith of Chesterville combined to claim Village Jamie for $12,500 in her previous start. They assigned Mandy Archer to train the seven-year-old daughter of Mach Three that was won 17 of 135 career starts and has earned $192,418.

She paid $3.70.

Rideau Carleton Raceway’s next card will be on Sunday, Jul. 25.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink