With O'Brien Award winner On A Streak scratched and Macho Martini breaking stride behind the gate, trainer Luc Blais's Simcoe Stakes hopes were left in the hands of driver Louis-Philippe Roy with Inaminute Hanover, and the Bar Hopping gelding delivered the biggest win so far in his career as the three-year-old trotting colts took their turn in the stakes spotlight on Saturday night (Sept. 25) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Leaving from post five, Inaminute Hanover took control of the field in the $157,975 Simcoe with outside starter Spy Booth (Dexter Dunn) firing into the pocket spot on way to the first turn ahead of insider Ritson (James MacDonald).
Inaminute Hanover led the field of seven through a quarter in :27.2 and half in :56 before 7-5 favourite Locatelli (Andy McCarthy) moved underway from fifth, flushing cover in the form of Ritson.
While his rivals began to roll, Inaminute Hanover opened up three lengths on top on the way past three-quarters in 1:24.1 and doubled that margin down the stretch. Publicity Seeker (Doug McNair) staged a late rally from the back, but it was too late as Inaminute Hanover cruised home with three lengths to spare in a career-best 1:52.4. Publicity Seeker won the race for place over Ritson and Locatelli.
"Bob [McClure] told me before the race if he's not involved, it's kind of hard to get his attention," said Roy, who picked up the catch-drive with McClure aboard Macho Martini. "So being behind the car, I think on the gate is the best spot to get well positioned -- that was kind of my plan -- and then after I was going to see how the race goes and he just felt so strong, I was happy to let him do his job on the front."
A $170,000 Harrisburg Sale yearling, Inaminute Hanover improved his record to eight wins from 19 starts and boosted his bankroll past $142,000 for owner Determination of Montreal, Que.
Inaminute Hanover returned $28.20 for the upset win.
The Simcoe Stakes is part of Canada's richest card of harness racing, headlined by the 2021 Mohawk Million. Read about all the stakes from the card in the Mohawk Million News Centre.