Prestige Duharas breaks maiden in Prospect Series

Prestige Duharas (Prestidigitator) wiped away the sting of slim defeats in his first two starts with a Prospect Series victory in leg 4B for freshmen Ontario-sired harness racing trotters at Kawartha Downs on Saturday (Aug. 27).

Reinsman Loic Gueriel found the pocket with the gelding from post seven and followed leader Oceanview Massey (Keith Jones) through :28.4 and 1:00.2 first-half fractions. Prestige Duharas made his move at the midway point and took over rapidly.

Double Prospect Series winner Impressive Dude (Samuel Fillion) picked up the attack and advanced first-over to three-quarters in 1:30.4. Prestige Duharas repelled that rival and stormed home to score in 2:01.1.

He Will (Bill Megens) closed late and missed by three-quarters of a length. Oceanview Massey finished third.

PRESTIGE DUHARAS REPLAY

Prestige Duharas lost by a head in his first two career starts. Denis Gueriel trains the homebred for Haras De L’Estrie of Dunham.

The drivers’ challenge heated up with the top three taking eight of the day’s 10 races. Reg Gassien tripled to extend his lead over Doug Brown, who won two. Nick Boyd edged closer with three victories of his own. Gassien’s total is now 27, four better than Brown’s 23. Boyd has made 21 trips to the winner’s circle at Kawartha this season.

Kawartha Downs enters the final month of its meet with its next card on Saturday, Sep. 3. Four dates remain.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink