He had every reason to justify defeat on Saturday, Oct. 5, but Hugh Heff clearly likes his perch on top of the North American standings and appears to have no intention of relinquishing that title.

The continent's top Standardbred for seasonal victories, Hugh Heff ($2.50) notched his seventh straight win and 21st victory in the $1,600 Winners Over Handicap Pace on Saturday at Northside Downs.

Saturday's score, however, was the closest since his arrival in Cape Breton.

Assigned the outermost post in the field of seven, Hugh Heff was still the apple of the betting public's eye sent off as the 1/4 choice. Driver Randy Getto had a different choice to make: send Hugh Heff for a front-end bid off the gate, or take back.

Getto chose to press on with Hugh Heff. He wasn't alone, however, as rail starter Thunder Alley and Gerard Kennedy had the same idea. That inside starting spot provided Thunder Alley with the advantage. And as post two starter Revenant (Mark Pezzarello) filled the pocket, Hugh Heff had a tough trip in store.

Parked and pressing through panels of :27.3, :56 and 1:26.1, Hugh Heff slugged it out on the outside through all four turns and finally appeared to put away Thunder Alley at the head of the stretch. Thunder Alley continued to enjoy that rumble, and battled back to the favourite's inside. Revenant angled into the three path to take aim on the tiring top tandem, but Hugh Heff held on by a head with the mile timed in 1:57.2. Thunder Alley and Revenant completed the top trio.

Owned by Nova Scotians Randy Getto, Susan MacSween and Wayne Hardy, Hugh Heff is now perfect in seven starts since joining the Dana Getto barn. The four-year-old gelded son of Betterthancheddar-Danika Patrix has won 21 of 35 appearances, hitting the board in 30 of those outings. His earnings surpassed $102,000 with the victory, a win that lifts him four above the 17 seasonal scores from Lloyds Loves and Need Ur Opinion to lead North America in that category.

For the results from Saturday's card of harness racing in Cape Breton, click the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.

(Standardbred Canada)