A pair of $20,000 Circuit Quebec Distinction divisions for three-year-old filly pacers highlighted the Saturday afternoon program at Hippodrome Gatineau and front-end tactics proved to be the way to go for both of the winners.
In the first division, Orithyrie Semalu (Gilles Dion) left from post five to secure the lead by the :28.4 first quarter pole. The fan favourite posted panels of :58.4 and 1:28.2 en route to her one and a half length triumph in 1.59.4 for trainer Pierre Touchette.
La Pensee Du Jour (Jacques Hebert) and Tornade Jimmy (Daniel Dulude) stayed for second and third.
The daughter of Yankee Cam scored her fourth win in ten starts this season for Semalu Inc., of Laval, Que.
In the second division, Puissance Duharas (Stephane Brosseau) led the field through fractions of :29, :59.1 and 1:29, turning back all challengers for the 2:00.1 gate-to-wire victory.
Trained by Marc Camirand, the daughter of Electric Stena scored her first lifetime win for Haras De L Estrie Inc. of Dunham, Que.
In other racing action, Dakota Noc notched his seventh consecutive win in the third race for trainer and owner Paul Seguin.
Driven by Jacques Hebert, the two-year-old son of Pearl River Matt also employed front end tactics to get the job done in a 2:02.1 clocking.
With nine wins in 11 starts, Dakota Noc is the winningest two-year-old pacer in North America.
To view the charted lines from Saturday, click here.