The newly acquired Apprentice Hanover has been nothing short of spectacular so far this season, and that could translate into a victory in the $1-million Metro Pace this Saturday at Mohawk Racetrack.

After capturing his Metro elimination in a sizzling 1:49.4, the freshman pacing colt has tasted defeat just one time in five career starts.

Out of Allamerican Nadia and by first-crop sire Somebeachsomewhere, Apprentice Hanover was purchased by owner Brad Grant of Milton, Ont. from previous trainer/owner Jack Darling, following the rookie’s second lifetime start.

Ben Wallace, who took over the conditioning, had his eye on the youngster for quite some time.

“I was very fortunate to watch him train down all winter, and Jack (Darling) and his staff did a great job getting him ready, and I’m hoping we can benefit from that,” Wallace said.

“I never really trained the colt prior to purchasing him, and I haven’t been real hard on him going into these two races (Nassagaweya and Metro), but the way he was so comfortable going in (1) :51 and :27 on the end [in the Nassagaweya], it looks like he can go anywhere we need to.”

Apprentice Hanover was purchased by Darling at last year’s Lexington Selected Yearling Sale for $90,000.

Jody Jamieson continues to handle the driving assignments.

(With files from WEG)