For the first time in Quebec harness racing history, Hippodrome 3R will feature “whipless” racing and the drivers have their work cut out for them in both the co-feature trot and pace as they are very competitive events.
Also, for the first time this season, the race favourites in both co-feature events will be starting from post eight.
The sixth race Preferred-Handicap Trot is headlined by invader Upvote Hanover, who will be driven by 3R’s leading driver for the second straight season, Stephane Brosseau.
Post eight starter Upvote Hanover comes to 3R on a two-race win streak at Rideau Carleton, where in his last start the son of Kadabra won in 1:57.4. He will be seeking his 10th win of the year for trainer Yves Tessier and owner Francois Morin of Beauceville.
Jamigo goes from post six for driver Daniel Laflamme and has been a local favourite, winning two of his last three starts in this class. R Rkadabra is last week’s return winner in this class and most certainly driver Francis Picard will not need a whip as this son of Kadabra is a front-end speedster.
The race also spots the return of 3R regular Caroluzzo (post three) as well as Holiday Party (post five) and Capteur De Reve (post four).
Despite being handicapped with post eight, Ufdragons Rocket is the seventh race trot top choice. In his most recent start, Ufdragons Rocket came from off the pace in his last start for driver Stephane Gendron to win in 1:56.1, closing from fifth place at the top of the stretch to win.
The Dragon Again nine-year-old sports ten wins this year for trainer Yves Tessier and owner Francois Morin, who seek a trainer/owner double in the feature events.
He will be challenged by Hooter Scooter (post four) for driver Stephane Brosseau. He was a 1:56.4 victor in his last start. Clever Thing (pictured below, post five) was a big upset winner last week at 16-1 for driver Tyler Jones and Rainbow Palace (post six) may be the lone mare in the field, but she has beaten her male rivals three times this season.
Post time Sunday is 12:50 pm. This is the second to last live race card of harness racing for the 2018 season. For a free race program, visit quebecjockeyclub.com. To view entries, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Hippodrome 3R.
(with files from the Quebec Jockey Club)