Amateur Drivers Take Center Stage at Trois-Rivières

While fans eagerly await the Québec-Bred Series finals on Sunday, the spotlight at Hippodrome Trois-Rivières this Thursday will shine on the amateur drivers in the evening’s eighth race.

The morning-line favorite, Odds On Carmel, will leave from post five with Marc Lemay driving. In his most recent start, the eight-year-old pacer attempted a gate-to-wire victory but came up just short late, finishing third in 1:56.3. He was beaten by only half a length by Partyintheshadows. The son of Rockin Image will be seeking his first victory of the season.

His main challenger, HP Game On, will have to overcome the outside post with Louis Desrochers in the bike. He has had several tough trips in recent starts, although he did score a victory on June 7 in 1:59.2.

The ninth race on the card features trotters who are non-winners of $5,000 in their last five starts. Prince Of Sussex will be looking for his second consecutive victory with Francis Picard driving. Trained by Serge Houde and owned by Marc Lemay, the gelding impressed on June 11 when he closed with a :29.2 final quarter to record his first win of the season.

The morning-line favorite in that event is Royalty B N, who never had a fair chance to show his best in the Québec-Bred Series. With Sylvain Fontaine driving, he will benefit from drawing the rail. Despite starting from post nine, J M Stella also deserves consideration after cruising to a nine-length victory in 1:59 last week. Sylvain Lacaille will drive.

First post for Thursday’s program is 5:30 p.m.