After a ho-hum return race at Woodbine Mohawk Park on May 9, Tyga Hanover returned to the Campbellville, Ont. oval and smoked the seven foes he faced.
Third as a beaten favourite in his return race for trainer Shane Weber, Tyga Hanover relocated to the barn of trainer Ben Baillargeon and took his game to a whole new level in his Thursday evening assignment.
The three-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere-Transference, who is listed at 100-1 in TROT Magazine’s 2019 Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book, shot to the top for driver Sylvain Filion and rolled the field through demanding panels of :26.3, :54.3 and 1:22.1. A :29.1 closing quarter earned thee gelding the win by 10-1/2 lengths over OK Kudo in 1:51.2.
Owned by the Rankins – Tom, Elizabeth and Glen – Tyga Hanover picked up the maiden-breaking tally in what was his eighth lifetime start.
Francis Dumouchel broke his maiden, as well, thanks to his victory with Rose Run Unclebuck in a $15,000 conditioned assignment.
The three-year-old son of Uncle Peter-Tameka Seelster was the second horse under the finish line, but was placed to first when the original winner, Shesa Sweetheart was placed fourth for a triple lapped-on break at the wire.
Dumouchel, who sent seven starters postward last season and came away with a record of 0-3-1, is now 1-for-5 to kick off his 2019 campaign. He's been an assistant trainer in recent years for Blake MacIntosh.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.
I think Shane and staff at
I think Shane and staff at Rankins did a great job prepping this horse for a long stake season. As we've noticed in the last few years Shane and staff get these horses ready and are eventually sent to Ben, this one just seems to shine above the rest. Seems like a win/win situation for the Rankin/Baillargeon stables.