Kandor Hanover positioned herself for a possible sweep of this year’s Celias Counsel Trotting Series with a
hard-fought victory for driver Randy Waples in Monday’s second leg at Woodbine Racetrack.

The daughter of Tagliabue left well from post one and got away in third position through an opening quarter of :28.2. She then brushed to command before the half in :59 and continued to lead past the third split in 1:29.2.

The filly appeared to be well on her way to another easy victory, however Lady Talbot, who had pulled out from third to challenge, had other ideas.

The top pair sprinted in tandem over the final quarter until Lady Talbot made an untimely break in stride just before the wire. Kandor Hanover looked as though she was going hold off her rival anyway, but the late mistake by Lady Talbot sealed the 1:57.1 victory.

“Paul’s filly [Lady Talbot and driver Paul MacDonell] pulled up alongside my filly and made her work for it,” said driver Randy Waples. “I was a bit shocked with how well my filly stayed with the from the rail. Sometimes it’s tough to get away from the inside, especially when you have a horse like her that doesn’t leave all that well. We were rockin’ home pretty good tonight on the end of the mile.”

It was the third win in 12 starts this season for Kandor Hanover who is co-owned by trainer John Burns along with Online Stables of Ontario and Patrick Huber of Ohio. Kandor Hanover was also victorious in leg one of the series.

In the opening division on Monday night, Paidmedorayme posted a gutsy first-over win for driver Sylvain Filion in 2:00. The daughter of Oaklea Julian turned back Northern Mystique and Miss Oh.

“She’s not the most elegant to watch race, but she tries,” said driver Sylvain Filion. “She’s real gutsy and gives all she’s got.”

It was the second win in seven outings this season for the Darryl Laver trainee who is owned by Fred Petersen and Martin Hossack of Ontario.

The $47,200 final of the Celias Counsel Trotting Series goes next Monday evening at Woodbine Racetrack.

(WEG)

To view Monday’s results, click here.