Sent off at 13-1 from the second tier, Patriarch Hanover closed off cover to snag the $11,000 Preferred Handicap Trot at The Raceway at the Western Fair District on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Patriarch Hanover came away with the five-hole in a :29 first quarter, then latched onto the cover of Cotton Candy Cutie (Travis Cullen) to race third-over as the field made its turn towards the stands for the first time. The first-up Myretirementdream (Jay Harris), having taken air from just past the first station, showed signs of wear after the half in :59.2, and the three horses stacked up behind him all pulled three-wide approaching three-quarters in 1:29.1.
Cotton Candy Cutie stepped around Myretirementdream and pushed ahead of leader Southwind Domino (Daryl Thiessen) on the final turn, with the pacesetter putting up stern resistance at the pylons. Patriarch Hanover then re-emerged three-high at the bottom of the bend and rolled past Cotton Candy Cutie to prevail by two lengths in 1:59.2. Cotton Candy Cutie was second, with Marvin Hagler (Brett MacDonald) closing for third.
The win came in Patriarch Hanover’s first career visit to London as he stepped down from conditioned company at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The nine-year-old son of Father Patrick-Personal Style tallied his 32nd lifetime score in 195 outings and grew his bankroll to $934,275. Gregg McNair trains the stallion for Brad Grant of Milton, Ont. A $2 win ticket returned $29.50.
To view Tuesday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada)