Etruscan Hanover is living proof that patience pays off.

The patience was that of trainer Ben Baillargeon, who trucked the temperamental trotter to six qualifying sessions after making repeated breaks during a three-month period.

The speedster managed to mind his manners in back-to-back December qualifiers at Mohawk Racetrack, and since then he’s rattled off four consecutive pari-mutuel scores including a come-from-behind tally in Monday’s $34,000 Preferred Trot at Woodbine Racetrack.

Mario Baillargeon took an early tuck into the four-hole with Etruscan Hanover, and they held that spot for the first half of the featured tilt. Fearless Man, in the meantime, had the field chasing him through early fractions of :27.1 and :56.4.

Fearless Man maintained the lead at the three-quarter pole in 1:26, but Etruscan Hanover was first-over and coming up fast in the leader’s rear-view mirror. A :29.2 closing quarter was just enough for Etruscan Hanover to win by a half-length margin over Fearless Man in 1:55.2. Zeus Lightning came on strong to be a lapped-on third.

Ben Baillargeon co-owns the gelding with partners Santo Vena, Nunzio Vena and Claude Hamel. The six-year-old son of Donato Hanover-Exotic Destination is 3-for-3 to start the season after going 7-for-24 last year. The 17-time winner bumped his overall bankroll to $208,890 with the win.

To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Woodbine Racetrack.