Unheralded Treasure Planet hit the jackpot Sunday afternoon, scoring a 22-1 upset in the 102nd running of Le 5 Milles, Hippodrome de Quebec's annual five-mile marathon
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Second-longest shot in the race, the nine-year-old sat near the back of the 10-horse field for the first three miles before driver Steeven Genois moved him into contention. Treasure Planet took the lead in the seventh of 10 laps, was overtaken by Lexilowguy on lap eight, retook the lead on lap nine and coasted home four lengths the best in the $15,000 race in a time of 11:21.
Lexilowguy, driven by Mario Charron, finished second, ahead of Bad Cop. Favourite Hillbilly Hall, driven by Simon Allard for trainer Rene Allard, was prominent early but was all done after three miles.
Sunday's card also featured four $15,000 series finals for Quebec-bred three-year-olds, two of which went to entrants from Ecurie Reve Avec Moi, both driven by Sylvain Lacaille.
Pacing colt Winning Dream was an easy winner of his heat, leading as he pleased throughout and drawing off by five lengths in 1:56.3. It was the seventh consecutive win this season for the son of Shanghai Phil and ninth in a row at Hippodrome de Quebec since September of 2010.
Lady Luna was the bonus for Ecurie Reve Avec Moi. The Yankee Cam filly charged up the inside after a pocket trip to collar 1-5 favourite Farouche GF in the $15,000 final for three-year-old pacing fillies in 1:57.4.
The $15,000 final for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings went as expected to Le Senateur A L, owned and driven by Andre Lachance. Assisted by costly breaks by his main rivals, the Promising Catch gelding set modest fractions and cruised home three lengths ahead of CL Bianco in 2:02.4. It was his fifth consecutive win this season at Hippodrome de Quebec.
In the $15,000 final for three-year-old trotting fillies, Beer Maggs survived an extended duel with Aquanilla to prevail by a half-length in 2:01.2 for driver and co-owner Kevin Maguire. The Have A Beer filly got command early but Aquanilla ranged up after the opening quarter and challenged her for a half-mile on the outside, tucked in again for the final turn, then took another run at her late, falling just short.
Beer Maggs won five of seven starts at Quebec City this year, with two seconds.
The $15,000 invitation turned out to be an easy romp for Montreal Phil after favourite Bolero Trisco made a costly break on the first turn. Montreal Phil went to the front early and opened up in the stretch by six lengths in 1:54.3.
(Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)
To view results for Sunday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Sunday Results – Hippodrome de Quebec.