Erle Dale N persevered in a photo finish at Woodbine Racetrack on Jan. 9, holding off the late-closing Rise Up Now for another Saturday night special score in the $34,000 Preferred Pace.

Erle Dale N was a repeat winner in Woodbine's top class with Randy Waples driving for trainer Ron Adams and owners David Kryway of Amherstburg, Ont. and 1362313 Ontario Ltd. of Windsor, Ont. He was sent postward as the 7-2 third choice in the field of six after earning his first Preferred win by just a head last Saturday night.

Leaving from post five, Erle Dale N out-sprinted post three starter Thunder Steeler off the gate, clearing to command before the first turn. However, Doug McNair pulled Thunder Steeler from the pocket just past the :27.1 first quarter mark and took over down the backstretch on the way to the half in :55.4. As Thunder Steeler cruised past three-quarters in 1:24.3, 6-5 favourite Prescotts Hope (Phil Hudon) began to advance first over with Rise Up Now (Sylvain Filion) following his cover from the back of the pack. Down the stretch, Thunder Steeler began to drift off the pylons and Erle Dale N shot through then held off Rise Up Now as that rival rallied outside into the win photo. Erle Dale N prevailed over Rise Up Now by a head in 1:52.4 over the "good" racing surface. Thunder Steeler finished one length behind in third while Prescotts Hope was fourth.

Erle Dale N paid $9.80 for a $2 win ticket in the evening's featured second race. With the victory, Waples completed a sweep of the early Daily Double, which paid $29. He also drove 11-year-old trotter Petty Hanover ($6.30) to a neck victory in the opener.

Erle Dale N, an eight-year-old Western Terror-Cath Hanover gelding, is now a career winner of 32 races and $347,139.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.