Open Pace

The undercard of Canada's richest night of racing featured some of Woodbine Mohawk Park's top older competitors facing off in $40,000 Opens on the trot and on the pace.

The card of harness racing at Batavia Downs on Saturday, Sept. 21 featured $18,243 Open Handicaps for both the pace and trot, and upset winners prevailed in each of this week’s top-flight contests.

Docdor Friskie and trainer-driver John MacDonald captured the featured $11,486 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday, Sept. 21.

Pickup Man Hanover emerged from the featured $20,270 Open Pace at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Saturday, Sept. 21 with his third top-level victory of the meeting.

Armycaptin Hanover showed a flair for the dramatic on Saturday, Sept. 21 at The Loop, swooping by rivals for the last-stride victory in the top-class tilt.

The program of harness racing at Running Aces on Friday, Sept. 20 featured five $20,270 Minnesota-sired consolation events, with driver Dean Magee and trainer Adam Hauser dominating the proceedings.

A first-over move and a fight to the finish highlighted Alex Having Fun’s impressive win the the $33,784 Open Handicap pacing feature at Plainridge Park on Thursday, Sept. 19.

A patient drive by Kyle Swift helped Dance Ticket succeed in the $18,243 Fillies & Mares Open Pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night, Sept. 18.

Continuing what has been an incredible season in the sulky for Hall of Famer Wally Hennessey, the veteran reinsman had another monster matinee on Monday, Sept. 16 at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

For the second consecutive year, Chase H Hanover took the closing night Open Pace at Eldorado Scioto Downs in 1:48.2.

Back-to-back $18,243 Open Handicaps for both gaits topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Saturday night, Sept. 14 and fast miles were produced in each by pylon position participants. 

Natameri ($2.10) and driver John MacDonald easily won the $11,486 Open Handicap Pace as the favouritre in a short field scratched down to four at Vernon Downs on Saturday, Sept. 14.