Two divisions of the 6K Pacing Series for colts and geldings were contested at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday evening, and in both instances the favourites were kept out of victory lane.
Lancelot Hall took his $4,800 division for driver John MacDonald, who guided the pacer to his third win in as many tries in the series. The Stephane Larocque pupil needed every inch of racetrack to post the neck decision in a time of 1:57.
The six-year-old son of Blissfull Hall improved to 10-4-3 in 29 starts this season thanks to his victory over the odds-on favourite, Shahbash, and Carls Future.
Larocque of Gatineau, QC owns the gelding, who has stashed away $84,754 in lifetime earnings.
Espoir D Avril, who has squared off in each of the first four legs of the series, drew off to a three-length victory in the second division, which was clocked in 1:57.1. Guy Gagnon engineered the winning trip with the Rejean Lamarche pupil, who owns a 2-2-0 in the preliminary legs.
The five-year-old son of Daylon Hustler, who is owned by Lamarche, Leo Levesque and Roger & Pierre Paradis, fended off a late rush from Spunky Kid, who was sent off as the 4-5 choice. Kentucky Deal rounded out the top three.
With the victory, Espoir D Avril improved his 2008 record to 11-5-3 in 36 starts while pushing his overall earnings to $113,780.
To view Sunday's results, click here.