Astreos Boy seeks his ninth win of the season and headlines the feature pace at the Hippodrome 3R on Sunday's 12-race program.
A three-year-old gelded son of Astronomical, Astreos Boy starts from post six and will have pilot Denis St Pierre in the sulky.
Trained by Yves Tessier for owner Louison Morin of Beauceville, Que., Astreos Boy was not eligible for the rich Quebec-Bred Series earlier this season.
As a two-year-old, he was winless in eight starts but now has made up for lost time at age three, and Astreos Boy has done it the hard way, having to race against older and seasoned horses.
Astreos Boy is on a roll, having won four of his last five starts, all at Trois-Rivieres, and each of his last four victories have been with different drivers.
“He [Astreos Boy] is such a nice horse,” said St Pierre. “He is very easy to drive. I really like him because he can leave and also come from behind. He also has a big heart. I love that in a racehorse!”
Perhaps his most impressive victory, which was also his fastest, came on Prix D’Ete Day, August 23, with world-renowned driver Daniel Dube handling the driving. In that race, Astreos Boy had the early lead, gave way at the half-mile marker, then not only came back on the lead, but pulled away from the field to win by seven open lengths in 1:56.
Astreos Boy usually races his best on the lead, but he has also shown the ability to come from off the pace to win. The wagering favourite in nearly all of his 14 starts this year, he is listed as the 3-1 second choice on Sunday.
The role of the wagering favourite goes to Akoya from post three for driver Stephane Brosseau at odds of 5-2. The five-year-old gelding by Electric Stena has four wins this year for trainer/owner/breeder Elisabeth Pothier of Beloeil, Que. In his last start, he led from start to finish at 3R over a sloppy track, winning in a romp by five and one-half lengths in 2:03.3. Earlier this season on July 26, Akoya won at 3R in 1:55.1.
Other contenders in the field include the top filly Rainbow Palace (post one), return winner Dimebag (post seven) and Shaelas Girl (post five).
The first race feature trot is headlined by Aworthy Bi going for his third straight win. He starts from post four for driver Gaetan Lamy. Also entered are Kim Sorel (post six) along with return winner Jardinier (post seven).
Coming up on Sunday, October 11 is the annual Drivers Tournament at the Hippodrome 3R. After this Sunday’s race program, the eight drivers that will compete will be announced. Post time Sunday is 1:30 p.m.
To view Sunday's harness racing entries, click on the following link: Sunday Entries - Hippodrome 3R.
(With files from QJC)