Rideau Carleton Raceway's leading driver Guy Gagnon had himself another dominant night, winning five of the 10 races on Thursday night (Sept. 1) and was carried into the winner's circle for one of those by a pupil for trainer Maxime Velaye, who won three on the card.
The pair teamed to take the featured race on the night, the $10,500 Preferred Handicap Trot, with Capteur De Reve. Gagnon wasted no time and took initiative with the eight-year-old Muscle Mass gelding to dictate the terms to a :27.3 first quarter while facing pressure from Holdin Aces, who failed to find a seat at the pylons. He continued to dig into Capteur De Reve from first over intro a :57.2 half and to three-quarters in 1:25.3 before growing leg weary in the final turn. Capteur De Reve then kicked for home and withstood a late charge from 9-5 favourite Black Tie Bash to win by a length in 1:55.2. Holdin Aces settled for third and Raising Rusty took fourth.
A homebred for Ecurie Provoquante, Capteur De Reve won his 37th race from 102 starts and padded his account now worth $337,859. He paid $7.20 to win.
Gagnon and Velaye found their other successes in separate races. For Gagnon, he visited the winner's circle in the opener with Speak Of War ($2.20 to win) and later with his trainees Undercover Strike ($4.30) and Beach Journey ($6.60). He also piloted Somiki ($2.50) to victory. Velaye won with Aladdin ($2.10) and Ciel Bleu ($2.40).
To view Thursday's harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.