With an early break by odds-on favourite Donatover early in the mile, Seeyou Men capitalized on the opportunity and pulled a 22-1 upset in the $10,000 Preferred Trot on Wednesday night (April 12) at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
Duke Lavictoire took the lead to a :28.1 first quarter and held an uncontested lead through a :58.2 half. Holdin Aces marched along the rim towards the backstretch but made little gains to three-quarters in 1:26.4. Duke Lavictoire stayed strong on the lead through the final turn and had all his peers at bay in the stretch, except for Seeyou Men. Seeyou Men burst through the lane off a pylon ride to slide to a length win in 1:56.4 and hand Duke Lavictoire second. Stella Alpha rode a pocket trip to finish third and Holdin Aces settled for fourth.
Guy Gagnon trains Seeyou Men, an 11-year-old Muscle Mass gelding, for owners Catheline Pelletier and Chantal Gravel. He won his 42nd race from 195 starts and has now banked $440,962. Robbie Robinson piloted the $47.50 winner.
Despite his trainee breaking stride in the feature, conditioner John MacMillan scored a hat trick on the 10-race card. His first win on the night came with Battle With Desire (1:57.1 winning mile; $5.90 to win). He later claimed back-to-back races with Dylans Bank (1:52.2; $2.40) and Montysgonemarble (1:53.3; $4.70).
To view Wednesday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Wednesday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.