For the ninth time this year, Astreos Boy showed his ability to win races anyway possible, scoring a decisive victory in the co-feature pace at the Hippodrome 3R on Sunday.
In the 11th race, the lone filly in the race, Rainbow Palace (Francis Picard), shot to the early lead from the rail and she was able to hold it until the opening quarter-mile in :27.2. That was when Akoya and driver Stephane Brosseau came first-over and took command.
Once settled on the lead, Akoya looked comfortable going to the half-mile marker in :57.1, but that comfort zone was short-lived as favourite Astreos Boy and driver Denis St Pierre were on the move and coming after the race leader.
Down the backstretch, the two horses raced neck and neck and then after the three-quarters in 1:26.3, it seemed as if Astreos Boy kicked in another gear at the top of the stretch as he pulled away from not only Akoya, but the rest of the field, winning with ease in 1:56.2. Rainbow Palace was able to close to be second with Shaelas Girl (Louis Philippe Roy) third.
The win was the second straight and fifth triumph in the last six starts for Astreos Boy. The three-year-old son of Astronomical is trained by Yves Tessier for owner Louison Morin of Beaucerville, Que. He paid $4.40 to win.
In the first race feature trot, Force Naturelle and trainer/driver Simon Delisle made a bold, three-wide move from fifth-place in the backstretch and was able to collar pacesetter Kim Sorel (Denis St Pierre) by the three-quarter-mile marker and then pull away in the stretch to win by five and one-half lengths in 1:59.3. The time of the mile was a new lifetime-best and marked the third win this year for the six-year-old gelded son of Victorys Force. South Star (Pascal Berube) was second, with Kim Sorel third.
Force Naturelle is owned by Anne Delisle of Deschambault, Que. and Carole Levesque of Ste-Christine-D'Auvergne, Que. He paid $21.40 to win.
Live racing resumes at the Hippodrome 3R next Sunday, with first race post time at 1:30 p.m.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Hippodrome 3R.
(With files from QJC)