Three divisions of the Distinction Stakes for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings were contested at Sulky Trois Rivieres on Tuesday evening, with each division carrying a purse of $15,000.
Pieraz kicked things off with a coast-to-coast score for the tandem of trainer Pierre Leclerc and driver Pascal Berube.
The son of Bolero Master laid down splits of :28.3, :59.1 and 1:29.2 before using a :29.3 final frame en route to the 1:59 win. The 1-2 favourite was more than four lengths better than Winning Up, who finished second. Third prize went to Matou Rose.
Leclerc shares ownership on the career winner of $18,555 with Gina Bragagnolo and Phil Leclerc. The colt has put together a 4-1-3 record in his first eight assignments.
Le Roi Lion stepped to a career-best clocking of 1:59.1 in the second division, but it wasn't exactly a piece of cake for the son of Surf Party.
The colt, who was driven by Stephane Brosseau for trainer Luc Blais, survived a first-over trip to win by a nose over pacesetter Onyx V A. Flash Beauty A L rounded out the top three.
Blais shares ownership on the youngster with partner Robert Proulx of Gatineau, QC. The colt now owns a 2-0-3 record in eight starts.
Faucon Stena front-stepped his way to the quickest win of his career when he tripped the teletimer in 1:58.1 in the third and final division.
Gilles Dion rolled the son of Electric Stena through panels of :29.3, 1:00 and 1:30 before turning on the afterburners for a :28.1 final quarter. The colt, who hangs his harness bag in the barn of trainer Pierre Touchette, drew off to win by more than seven lengths over Big Joe Nico. Quincy Bayama was third.
Ecurie Stena Inc. of Blainville, Quebec holds the papers on the rookie, who now owns a 4-2-0 record in his first seven starts. He has banked $29,685 along the way.
To view Tuesday's results, click here.