Pacing filly Olivias Way concluded a productive season at Hippodrome de Quebec with a gutsy victory Saturday in a $15,000 series final for Quebec-bred two-year-olds
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Racing outside pacesetter and favourite Banner Brule for the last half-mile with her entrymate Irenes Got It in the pocket, the Shanghai Phil filly gradually got the upper hand and prevailed by a length in a career-best 1:57.4. The time of the mile also lowered Excitante's 1:58.2 track record for freshman fillies.
She was driven by her trainer, Marcel Barrieau.
Banner Brule held on gamely for second for driver Richard Veilleux despite being pressured most of the mile. D Gs Laurie and Mario Lachance finished two lengths behind in third.
It was the fourth win in six outings in Quebec this season for Olivias Way, owned and bred by Hudson Standardbreds, and upped her earnings to almost $20,000.
Prior to the card, Promise To Belucky front-stepped her way to a three length victory in the $15,000 final for two-year-old trotting fillies in 2:05.3. Chantal P V and Sylvain Fontaine came on for second and pocket-sitter La Neuvilloise and Francis Picard finished back in third.
Jerome Lombart drives and owns the homebred Lucky Fool filly while Andreane Lapierre handles the training duties. The victory was her first in eight career outings and lifted her earnings to over $12,000.
The 2011 season at Hippodrome de Quebec wraps up Sunday with a 10-race card that includes four $15,000 stakes for Quebec-bred three-year-olds, a $15,000 invitation pace and the 102nd running of the five-mile marathon, Le 5 Milles.
For results from Saturday's harness racing card, click on the following links:
Saturday Results (Special) - Hippodrome de Quebec
Saturday Results - Hippodrome de Quebec
(With files from Paul Delean)