Multiple qualifying sessions took place Wednesday morning (March 29), and a few notable performers stepped up with winning miles for their connections.
Rideau Carleton Raceway hosted a five-race qualifying session, and WEG circuit Preferred stalwart Evenin Of Pleasure took the chance to record his first charted line since early last December. Owned by Gestion J Y Blais Inc., the seven-year-old bay stepped out onto the Rideau track with Claude Cadieux in the bike. The duo opted to take the stalking approach through the mile and sat fourth through the fractions (:28, :57.2, 1:28).Cadieux called for pace in the stretch and Evenin Of Pleasure delivered, as he closed in 29 seconds and got up for a head win in 1:58. To view the results from the session, click here.
Over at Dover Downs, Sheez On A Cruze, a three-year-old full sister to JL Cruze, took to the track for her third qualifying effort of the season. With George Teague Jr. in the bike for trainer Brenda Teague, the Crazed filly minded her manners and trotted to a wire-to-wire, three and a half-length victory. The win time was 1:59.3.
At The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, Major Bananas, a full brother to $666,000 winner Tea Party Princess, used off-the-pace tactics to get up and score in 1:59.4 for trainer John Butenschoen and driver Marcus Miller. The three-year-old horse started from Post 6, raced second-over in the middle half and came on late. He got up for a timely head victory.
Also at Pocono, Con Air Hall, a four-year-old Groton Hall gelding, eked out a wire-to-wire victory by a nose in 2:01 for trainer Peter Foley and driver Tom Jackson. Con Air Hall is the fifth foal out of Charms Chip, who has produced six-figure earners Chancey Hall ($268,946), Chaplin Hall ($364,717) and Cinnabar Hall ($259,582).