Trainer Rene Allard, who has sent out the winners of the past two runnings of Hippodrome de Quebec's historic signature race, Le 5 Milles, will be shooting for a three-peat Sunday

as the race is contested for a 102nd time.

And like the past two years, he's acquired his entrant in the week prior to the race.

Allard, 24, purchased Hillbilly Hall privately after the eight-year-old pacer finished second in a $5,000 claimer at Kawartha Downs last Saturday.

"I actually looked at this horse a couple of years ago. I thought he'd be good for the five-mile race. He comes from far back. He has a good brush of speed, but you can only use it once. I'm not quite as confident as I was last year (with MG Energik) but I think he can do it. It's not as tough a group as in past years."

A field of 10 was entered for Le 5 Milles, which carries a purse of $15,000 and is the feature event of the closing program of the 2011 season at Hippodrome de Quebec.

Allard, who won in 2009 with Heartthrob and 2010 with MG Energik, said the race carries special significance for him.

"It's not about the money," he said.

Close friend Jean-Marc Bouchard, who died of cancer a couple of years ago, was from Quebec City, and they had tried to win the race before his death with a horse called Bye Bye Dexter, who finished third.

"Coming back (to Quebec) is a chance to see my family, but it also reminds me of him, of what a special friend he was. He always dreamed of winning this race," Allard said.

To view the entries for Sunday's card of harness racing, please click the following link: Sunday Entries - Hippodrome de Quebec.

(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)