The bettors had full faith in Willyorwonthe and veteran horseman Bill Megens, and they lived up to expectations leading all the way in the featured $7,500 Preferred 3 Trot contested during Western Fair District's Harness the Hope Night on Friday.

With the inside post advantage, Willyorwonthe secured the lead into the first turn and cruised through fractions of :28.2, :58.3 and 1:28.3 en route to a 1-1/2 length victory in 1:59 flat.

Trainer/driver Bill Megens' homebred trotter now has 20 career wins and earnings just shy of the $200,000 mark. The five-year-old Angus Hall gelding has earned seven of those wins this year while competing in 30 races.

Ionia (Nick Steward) followed the winner in second, but was placed third for a pylon violation and, as a result, On The Ridge (Garrett Rooney) inherited the runner-up role.

Willyorwonthe paid $3.20 to win as the 3-5 favourite.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Western Fair.