Duke Lavictoire takes the plunge, upsets

Duke Lavictoire (Royalty For Life), after 10 starts in the top condition, stepped up to the Preferred Handicap level at Rideau Carleton Raceway and outlasted a host of closers in a 9-1 upset on Thursday (Sep. 8).

The gelding motored forward from post six and claimed the top spot as he entered the first turn. He completed the first quarter in :28 and led to three-quarter in :58 before Rideau powerhouse Black Tie Bash (Robert Shepherd) rolled alongside on the backstretch.

The pair saw eye-to-eye as they passed the three-quarter station in 1:26.3, and Duke Lavictoire repelled the challenger as they sprinted for home. With a group of closers flying from behind, Duke Lavictoire kept his head in front for the victory in 1:56.2.

Crossfit (Jimmy Gagnon) was fastest of the cavalry charge and was short by a head. Raising Rusty (Stephane Pouliot) was also a head behind. Six of seven starters were within a half-length at the finish.

DUKE LAVICTOIRE REPLAY

Duke Lavictoire has won half of his 28 career starts and has taken $65,530 in earnings. Andre Lachance trains the four-year-old gelding for Suzanne Lavictoire of St-Eugène.

Rideau Carleton Raceway horses will meet again on Sunday, Sep. 11 at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink