Trainers Guy Gagnon and Stephane Pouliot dominated the Sunday (March 8) program at Rideau Carleton Raceway, with Gagnon winning four races and Pouliot three. Each trainer also took victory in the evening’s featured races.
Gagnon trainee Saulsbrook Peach maintained control to the finish to narrowly win the $8,600 Preferred Handicap Pace.
Ufdragons Rocket led the field through early fractions of :27.4 and :58.4 before facing a challenge from Saulsbrook Peach moving to the backside. The 11-year-old Royal Mattjesty gelding took command moving to three-quarters in 1:27.1 with Hooter Shooter, tracking his cover, ducking into the pocket around the final turn. Hooter Shooter mounted a final charge after Saulsbrook Peach through the lane but hit the line shy a neck in 1:57. Stonebridge Beach rallied for third.
Owned by Catheline Pelletier, Saulsbrook Peach won his second race from nine starts this season and his 41st from 229 overall, earning $246,665. Gagnon steered the $12.20 winner and also drove his other victorious pupils on the card, which included Upvote Hanover ($4.10), Big Petes Style ($2.90) and Its Eds Idea ($2.90).
Pouliot piloted his pupil Pasadena Star from off the speed to a 2:00 victory in the $8,600 Preferred Handicap Trot.
Postitioned seventh to a :27.3 first quarter, Pasadena Star sat behind a battle on the front with Revenue Agent parked to clear control with Lmc Mass Gem riding his cover. Once in front, Revenue Agent endured first-over pressure from Lmc Mass Gem through splits of :57.2 and 1:27.4.
Between these points Pasadena Star began to roll from the back, angling towards the centre of the track nearing the final turn. The nine-year-old Kadabra gelding ranged to within a length of the lead turning for the finish and withstood late-lunging Ghirardelli Lindy by a length. Revenue Agent faltered the third.
Owned by 9096 9205 Quebec Inc. and Pierre Mineault, Pasadena Star won his 42nd race from 184 starts, earning $438,277. The $6.60 winner gave Pouliot his third victory on the night, with his trainee Dinner At The Met ($10.90) winning the race preceding and Racing For Pace ($2.60) scoring in the second race.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.