Trainer-driver Guy Gagnon picked up where he left off when Rideau Carleton Raceway reopened its doors on Tuesday (Feb. 16), driving six winners and sweeping both $9,200 Preferred events with his trainees.

Seeyou Men motored to a wire-to-wire victory in the $9,200 Preferred Trot. Gagnon sent the nine-year-old Muscle Mass gelding to the point from post 6, clearing command past a :28.1 opening quarter from 6-5 favourite Crossfit. Seeyou Men continued on the lead uncontested to a 1:00 half but endured first-over pressure from LMC Mass Gem towards three-quarters in 1:30. Though Seeyou Men brushed away the wide challenger around the final turn and strolled through the stretch to a two-and-a-quarter length victory in 1:59.3. Crossfit held second while Vero Amore Bi took third.

Owned by Catheline Pelletier and Chantal Gravel, Seeyou Men won his 30th race from 134 starts, earning $326,592. He paid $14.80 to win.

Luke And Duke landed in the winner’s circle of the $9,200 Preferred Pace off a perfect pocket ride. Gagnon secured the pocket to a :28.1 opening quarter, where pacesetter Racemup parked Maracasso coming into the stretch first time. The pair continued to battle to a :57.3 half until Maracasso gave way into the backside.

Once the first-over challenger faltered, Avatar J pounced off the pylons towards the brazened leader to three-quarters in 1:27, but promptly tired into the final turn. With Luke And Duke saving ground the whole mile, Gagnon angled the nine-year-old Mach Three gelding off the leader’s helmet and darted clear to a three-length victory in 1:56.1. Racemup held second with Avatar J finishing third.

Owned by Ecuries Guy Gagnon Inc. and Jean Laroche, Luke And Duke won his 28th race from 163 starts, earning $177,175. He paid $6.00 to win.

The feature victories were two of Gagnon’s five training wins on the night. He also steered his pupils Undercover Strike ($3.40), Stelios ($10.00) and Big Petes Style ($5.90) to victories, and collected a total six driving wins on the night with a win earlier on the card with Kahlua Morning ($8.20).

Trainer Victor Puddy also scored three wins on the card. He sent Twomacsonemach ($7.20), Reys N A Rocket ($9.00), and Officer Jones ($5.80) to victories.

The first card of the year at Rideau Carleton featured 13 races and handled $376,083.

To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.