Stake double for Rey

Harness racing driver Michel Rey won both the Silk Lace and Golden Boy Finals on Saturday (Oct. 21) at The Loop.

In the Silk Lace, for Manitoba-sired three-year-old pacing fillies, he took the pocket with Ak Black Badger (Andreoli Hanover) and let Ak Nite Lady (Marc Fillion) lead. The latter put up fractions of :31, 1:01.3, and 1:32.3, and Ak Black Badger made her move as they reached the third station. Ak Black Badger put a neck in front quickly but faced resistance from the resilient pacesetter. The pair battled to the line but Ak Black Badger held the lead and etched out a half-length win in 2:02. Maching Millions (Blake Piwniuk) was third.

AK BLACK BADGER REPLAY

It was the second career win for Ak Black Badger, who broke her maiden in July. The filly, now trained by Marc Fillion, was second in her elimination but had not hit the board in three prior stakes starts. Kevin Hildebrandt co-owns the filly, now with earnings of $16,316, with Aline Hildebrandt of Roseau River.

Braxtons Boy (Whosurboy) went all the way for Rey in the Golden Boy for Manitoba-sired sophomore male pacers. The colt cut :31, 1:02, and 1:32.4 fractions and was four lengths to the good entering the stretch. He lengthened the lead further approaching the wire, finishing the mile five-and-three-quarter-lengths up in 2:03.2. Irish Luke (Piwniuk) finished second, two lengths clear of Supa Fast (Dean Rey).

BRAXTONS BOY REPLAY

Braxtons Boy is five-for-11 in his debut season. He won the Futurity first leg earlier this season and placed in the Manitoba Great Western. Richard Rey trains the colt and shares ownership with Janet Rey. The colt has now earned $28,386.

Rey also won the second race, giving him a triple. Darryl Mason scored a natural hat trick in the bike.

The Loop will conclude its inaugural season on Saturday, Oct. 28.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink