Veracruz made his debut for new connections a winning one in the $22,000 co-featured conditioned trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday, Jan. 12.

Bob McClure wasted little time in getting Veracruz to the top from post six in the $50,000-$60,000 claiming handicap, setting the opening quarter in :28. Uncontested, Veracruz clicked the half in :57.3. Chic Choc Rose (Jody Jamieson) gave heavy chase up the backstretch, briefly sticking a nose in front of Veracruz at the three-quarters in 1:26.4, but Veracruz fought back to trot home to a 1-1/4 length score in 1:55.4. Flashchap (Louis-Philippe Roy) was second with Sunday Shoes (Doug McNair) third.

Claimed for $55,000 from his last start on Jan. 5 at Mohawk, the five-year-old gelded son of Father Patrick out of the Andover Hall mare Valdonna is owned by Gestion J Y Blais Inc. of Montreal, Que. and trained by Justin Turcotte. Veracruz moved his lifetime record to 12-10-9 in 65 starts with just $743 shy of $140,000 earned. He paid $4.10 to win as the odds-on favourite.

In the co-featured $22,000 conditioned trot, Supersonic Hanover ($15.30) and Devastate ($6.30) finished in a dead heat for the win in 1:56.2.

J.R. Plante piloted the Blair Burgess-trained Supersonic Hanover, a four-year-old gelded son of Propulsion-Special Appeal, for owners Burgess Racing 24, Charles Foster, Timothy Mansfield and Stewart McEachern. The triumph was Supersonic Hanover's sixth career win, pushing his career earnings to $70,228. 

Sharing the win with Supersonic Hanover was Devastate, driven by Travis Henry for trainer Mark Etsell and owners Frank Lamacchia, Tony Miceli, Deanmar Sons Stable and Peter Miskolczi. The five-year-old son of Chapter Seven-Susy won his first race of the year and sixth career victory with $81,119 earned.

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

(Standardbred Canada)