It's almost as though Hugh Heff changed his name to Rodney Dangerfield.

Despite the North American win lead in 2024, and despite not losing a race since last November, and despite a four-race win streak to start the year, five-year-old Hugh Heff was not favoured for the second straight week at Northside Downs. Once again competing in the $1,700 Winners Over top class at the Cape Breton half-miler, and once again leaving from the outermost post six in the field of seven, Hugh Heff was relegated to second choice for the second time in eight days behind newcomer Tribal Dancer.

As the wings of the gate folded in the afternoon feature, Aidan Dicks sent Tribal Dancer to the top from post two, clearing David Lloyd George (Keigan Madden) just before the :27.4 opening quarter. Randy Getto had Hugh Heff settled into fifth at this point, but started his first-over move heading into that far turn.

By the time Tribal Dancer hit the half in :59.2, Hugh Heff was right along side applying pressure and despite that second-quarter breather the pacesetter couldn't repel the stiff challenge from the overland attacker. Hugh Heff edged past Tribal Dancer through the 1:28.4 third station, put away the favourite around the far turn and then pulled away to win by more than three lengths in 1:57.3. Tribal Dancer stayed for second over Kiss Me Im Irish (Mark Pezzarello).

Paying $3.70 to win, Hugh Heff notched his fifth straight victory in five seasonal starts and seventh straight score dating back to last fall. The son of Betterthancheddar - Danika Patrix, now a 37-time career winner with more than $110,000 in earnings, is trained by Dana Getto for his brother Randy of New Waterford, Susan MacSween of River Ryan and Wayne Hardy of Sydney, N.S.

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

(Standardbred Canada)