Willyorwonthe turned in a gritty performance on Thursday evening at Flamboro Downs, and that helped him haul down race favourite April Rose in the featured $11,500 Preferred 2 Handicap for trotters.

In rein to Alfie Carroll, Willyorwonthe got away fourth while April Rose rolled to the lead and had the field chasing her through first half fractions of :27.3 and :57.1. Willyorwonthe angled off the rail in the third quarter and chased the leader past the next interval in 1:26.2.

They continued their battle into the lane, and it wasn’t until deep stretch that Willyorwonthe got the upper hand. He kicked home in :29.4 to win by a length over April Rose, with the show dough going to Lady Caterina. Time for the mile was 1:56.1.

Bred, owned and trained by Bill Megens, the six-year-old son of Angus Hall-Mikestory is now 2-for-4 to kick off his 2019 campaign. The 24-time winner has banked more than $230,000 to date.

To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Flamboro Downs.