There was no catching Gaines Hanover who was on a successful front-end speed mission en route to a dominant victory in Monday's $36,000 Preferred Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Leaving as the even-money favourite from post seven, driver Sylvain Filion landed Gaines Hanover in third early as Franks Angel (Travis Cullen) posted the first quarter in :27.4. HP Mama B (Tyler Borth) popped the pocket and took over only briefly before Gaines Hanover brushed to the top to assume command at the half in :55.3. Gaines Hanover went unchallenged to three-quarters in 1:24 while second choice Osceola (Doug McNair) tried to muster a challenge from first-over into fourth on the far turn.

Turning for home, Gaines Hanover laid down the law, opening up by four lengths midway through the stretch. Trotting home stoutly in :27.2, Gaines Hanover and a motionless Filion cruised to victory four lengths clear to stop the clock in 1:51.2. Osceola got up for the second spot and Pemberton (Bob McClure) rallied for third.

Trained by Claude Cadieux, the four-year-old gelded son of Cantab Hall-Gatka Hanover notched his fourth victory in 13 seasonal outings. Owned by Gestion Blais, Gaines Hanover went over $800,000 in career earnings with the win, sporting a lifetime bankroll of $816,056.

The win was one of three on the evening for Filion, who led all drivers. 

In addition to the Preferred Trot, the Monday card featured a pair of $12,000 Pop-Up Series divisions for non-winners of $18,000 in 2024.

In the first split, All Gas No Brakes (Chris Chistoforou) proved to be just that, romping by 7-3/4 lengths in 1:55.1 as the 1-9 favourite. Meanwhile, Bulldog (Jody Jamieson) pulled off a 29-1 shocker in the second division following a first-over brush on the far turn, grabbing the 1:54.4 score while paying $60 to win.

To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Standardbred Canada)