If the lidlifter on the 2022 season of harness racing at Hanover Raceway is any indication of a sign of things to come, fans are most certainly in for quite a treat this year.

The first dash of the year was also the fastest on the opening day card. Artistic Meadow (J Harris) took control just after the opening quarter and tried to maintain that lead, and after that :28.1 opener the gelding appeared to have the advantage with middle panels of :59.2 and 1:28.4. Turning for home, favoured Mortgage My Villa was poised in the pocket and found a seam to emerge for a stretch run. Second-over Another Great Pick (Ross Battin) engaged his afterburners in the stretch as well, resulting in a three-across finish for the win. In the photo, Mortgage My Villa ($4.80) had his nose on the wire first ahead of Artistic Meadow with Antoher Great Pick a head back in third.

Seven-year-old Mortgage My Villa is trained by John Kennedy for Up A Creek Racing of Elmira, Ont. The win was his third of the year and 19th lifetime, lifting career earnings to $166,993.

Handle for the 10-dash card was $54,112. 

Live harness racing continues at Hanover Raceway on Saturday afternoons through to September 17.

For results from Saturday's card, click the following link: Saturday Results - Hanover Raceway.