by Greg Gangle, WEG media

Toronto, ON — Despite being saddled with the two outside post positions coming into Saturday night’s (Feb. 19) C$60,000 WEGZ Stakes final, Royal Becquet (30-1) and Strand Hanover (12-1) lit up the tote board to finish 1-2 for trainer Rene Allard.

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Royal Becquet nipped Strand Hanover in the WEGZ Stakes final.

With elimination winner Vertical Horizon scratched from the event due to sickness, both Allard students flashed early speed off the gate with Strand Hanover (Luc Ouellette) taking command ahead of Royal Becquet (Simon Allard) before reaching the opening quarter in :27.1.

Post time favorite Aled Hanover was positioned fifth in the early going by driver Jody Jamieson as Strand Hanover marched past the half in :55.2. Jamieson then committed first-over heading into the final turn and was matching strides with the pacesetter past three-quarters in 1:23.2.

Down the stretch, Aled Hanover began to tire as Strand Hanover was able to put away the first-over attacker. Late in the mile, Strand Hanover was still in control but Royal Becquet was closing hard and used a :27.2 final quarter to upset his stablemate in the final strides, stopping the clock in 1:51.2. Aled Hanover finished third with Mcapulco fourth.

“I knew he would be much better tonight,” admitted Rene Allard following the win. “He has feet issues and given the mild weather we had recently I decided to take the caulks off him tonight and it really paid off.

“I was worried coming into tonight with post nine and ten but I know they have terrific gate speed and I was happy to see both on top before the quarter.”

The 8-year-old son of Yankee Cam posted his 27th career win and lifted his bankroll to C$450,670 for Michel Allard and Nancy Lajeunesse. Royal Becquet returned $71.50 for the win.

WEG’s current leading trainer, Rene Allard extended his winning margin on his nearest rivals as he conditioned four winners on Saturday, teaming up with his older brother Simon on three of those four winners.

In addition to Royal Becquet, the Allard brothers clicked with Golden Time (race 1) and Firethorn (race 12). Rene also sent out Dinner Guest (Luc Ouellette) to victory in race 11 while Simon was first to the wire with Faucon Stena (race 5) for trainer Pierre Touchette.