Gutsy Volo, the Rideau trotting sensation is back in action Thursday after missing out on last weeks featured trot in the preferred class.
The elite division is becoming so popular and the purse money so coveted that more horses are being entered. As a result, Gutsy Volo failed to draw in and had to watch as the Also Eligible Rate Exchange put on a gutsy performance of his own in winning the dash.
The two rivals, Gutsy Volo and Rate Exchange provide a study in contrasts.
Both are by the sire Yankee Glide. That alone makes them attractive.
The difference in selling price as yearlings is vast. Gusty Volo sold for $225,000. Rate Exchange on the other hand, sold for a mere $4,000.
Gutsy Volo has earned $66,080 this year, just $10,877 more than Rate Exchange.
On the lifetime earnings side, Rate Exchange who is one year older than his rival, has $118,648 to Gutsy's $77,830.
Both horses shared the same trainer at one time. Robbie Robinson trained Rate Exchange for much of his early career. He now trains and drives Gutsy Volo.
Both horses were bred by the same individual, Jorgen Jahre of Norway is listed as breeding partner on both trotters.
Gutsy Volo and Rate Exchange have battled five times in their last six starts and Gutsy holds a slim 3-2 lead
You can't ask for two better matched rivals. Hopefully the week off hasn't taken the edge off Gutsy Volo.
This rivalry could be one RCR fans talk about for some time to come.
To view Thursday's entries, click here.
(Rideau Carleton Raceway)