Dr J Hanover returned to the races Saturday, July 28 to capture the $34,000 Preferred Pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

The five-year-old Tony Alagna trainee was making his first start since June 9 and got the better of seven rivals to post a 1:49.4 victory.

Driven by Sylvain Filion, Dr J Hanover paced out to the early lead and posted opening fractions of :27.1 and :56. Easy Lover Hanover, the 3-5 favourite, angled from fourth nearing the half and made a rush towards the lead, hooking up with the early leader for a far turn battle. Easy Lover Hanover finally cleared the lead after five-eighths of a mile was completed and reached the third station in 1:22.2.

In the stretch Dr J Hanover showed no signs of being short and came to the outside in the final eighth to power by Easy Lover Hanover for a length and a half score. Nirvana Seelster finished third, while Traceur Hanover was fourth.

The one-two finish by Dr J Hanover and Easy Lover Hanover gave owner Brad Grant the exactor, as he co-owns the winner and is the sole owner of the runner-up. Robert LeBlanc, Steven Wienick and Irwin Samelman share ownership of Dr J Hanover with Grant.

A five-year-old gelding, Dr J Hanover was making his 11th start of the season Saturday. The Alagna trainee now has four wins and $143,600 earned this season. He paid $14.00 to win.

Dr J Hanover, a now 17-time winner with over $650,000 in career earnings, made headlines last season at Mohawk Park when he won a division of the Graduate Series in 1:46.4, the fastest mile in Canadian harness racing history.

Live racing resumes Monday, July 30 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The opening leg of the Dream Maker Series for two-year-old pacers highlights an 11-race card. Post time is 7:30 p.m.

(With files from Woodbine Mohawk Park)

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.