In just his second start since February, Burn Out Hanover ($12.00) proved up to a tall task in Wednesday evening's (Aug. 29) featured $8,500 Preferred 3 Pace at Grand River Raceway, holding his ground to prevail over older company in 1:54.2.

Jason Ryan left with Burn Out Hanover from post 2, and the pair faced immediate resistance from Amazing Perch (George Ketros), who sped through at the pegs. Burn Out Hanover won the :27.3 first-quarter duel, but had no chance for respite before the next challenge arose. This Is My Song (Scott Coulter), without cover after Burn Out Hanover cleared, advanced to press the pace through middle splits of :56 and 1:25, but could not sustain his bid past the final turn.

Cornering for home, Burn Out Hanover edged away briefly before Amazing Perch re-emerged from the pocket once clearance availed. Burn Out Hanover, driven out aggressively to the winning post, prevailed by three-quarters of a length in his Grand River debut over Amazing Perch, while Drunkonaplane (J Harris) checked in a ground-saving third, another four lengths back.

Burn Out Hanover captured the eighth win of his career and the third of his three-year-old campaign for trainer Jack Darling, whose Jack Darling Stables Ltd. own the Well Said gelding.

To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click the following link: Wednesday Results – Grand River Raceway.