Carat Hanover, A Place Out West and Windsun Twister all emerged victorious in Friday's opening leg of the Snowshoe Pacing Series for three and four-year-old colt and geldings at Woodbine Racetrack.
Carat Hanover, with Sylvain Filion picking up the catch drive, lived up to his favourite status in the opening $20,000 split. The four-year-old gelded son of Bettors Delight was first over for much of the final half before switching gears and pulling away from rivals under wraps in 1:56.
Longshot Paydaze A Comin (Phil Hudon) landed the place spot with Poker Shark (Randy Waples) finishing in third. The winner returned a popular $2.90 for the win.
Carat Hanover won three of last season in his sophomore campaign for trainer Tony O'Sullivan and owners Scott and Clay Horner of Ontario and Claude Incaudo of New York.
In the second split, A Place Out West worked out a perfect following trip and driver Aaron Byron was able to weave through between rivals late for an upset victory in 1:55.1. Mighty Me (Jack Moiseyev), who set all the pace, was handed his first career loss in five starts with Magical Thinking (Jonathan Drury) rounding out the top three.
Louie Eftimiadis conditions the winning four-year-old son of Artsplace - So Western for the Howe Good R They Stable of Newmarket, Ontario. He rewarded his backers with a $34.00 win ticket.
In the final division, Windsun Twister and driver Chris Christoforou used similar tactics as they left alertly, followed in for much of the mile and then tipped out late to win in 1:54.1. The four-year-old gelded son of Camotion - Buena Hanover turned back favourite Sportsman (Randy Waples) with the pacesetting Hemingway Hudson (Roger Mayotte) settling for third.
The clocking was a new lifetime mark for Windsun Twister who is trained by Alvin Hamilton who co-owns along with the Black Walnut Stables and David McNabb.
The Snowshoe Pacing Series continues with round-two action next Friday night at Woodbine.
To view Friday's results, click here.
(With files from WEG)