He has won from on and off the pace. He has won both of the Preferred Trots at Hippodrome 3R early in the season and goes for his third straight win on Sunday.

His name is Severus Hanover and he is owned and trained by Yannick Martel of L’Assomption.

“I claimed him back on June 23, 2020 for $15,000,” Martel said.

It was a good claim by Martel. At the end of the 2020 race season, Severus Hanover posted seven wins with earnings of more than $37,000 and he had one win in 1:55.3.

On Sunday, Severus Hanover is the 5/2 morning line favourite to score his third straight win at 3R.

“This week his race will be more difficult,” Martel explained. “He is facing some very good horses, but I trust Stephane (Brosseau) and his driving strategy.”

Brosseau is Severus Hanover’s main driver for Martel.

“Stephane knows a lot of success with Severus,” Martel said. “No matter how he will race him, Stephane will guide him right.”

At age 10, Severus Hanover is the oldest competitor in the field. The gelded son of Explosive Matter sports 29 lifetime wins and a record of 1:55.2. Martel credits a lot of his success to his aunt Ghislaine Fontaine and to Karolanne Malo, who owns the training centre Martel is stabled at in St. Liquori.

“Severus has a lot of trouble with wear and tear on his hooves,” Martel said. “Aunt Ghislaine and Karolanne help me take care of him and they do an excellent job in keeping him healthy and sound for racing.”

Martel also says that Severus Hanover is a joy to take care of in the barn.

“A child can take of him in the stable,” Martel added. “He does everything right. He has a big heart and such good quality and is calm. He never loses his allure for racing, especially when he is on the racetrack.”

Who will Severus Hanover be facing on Sunday? The eighth race Preferred Trot has eight starters in the field. Severus Hanover and Stephane Brosseau start from post five and they have beaten everyone in the field once if not twice over the past two weeks.

Contenders include Captain Krupnik (post one), who last week was able to lead from start to finish in 2:00 for driver Jimmy Gagnon. But the prior week Captain Krupnik lost to Severus Hanover, dropped in class and won and is now back facing him again.

Seeyou Men (post six) was second to Severus Hanover last week by only a head for driver-trainer Guy Gagnon. The former Quebec-Bred Champion will again be right in the hunt.

Other contenders include track record holder Kinnder High Class (post two), Keepall (post eight) and Bucketlist Hanover (post seven).

The tenth race Preferred-Handicap Pace features last week's upset winner Hooter Shooter (post seven), four-time Quebec Champion, Half A Million AM (post eight) and the always game Maracasso (post three).

Post time on Sunday for the 12-race program is 12:30 pm. For a free race program, visit hippodrome3r.ca. To view the entries for Sunday's only card of live harness racing in Canada, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Hippodrome 3R.

(with files from the Quebec Jockey Club)