Axion Hanover and driver Drew Campbell won the $6,944 feature race, a conditioned-optional claiming pace, at First Tracks Cumberland on Sunday, Nov. 10.
When the wings folded for the bright, early afternoon event, the 4-5 favourite Art Scene was sent scurrying out for the lead with Walter Case Jr. Longshot Through The Fence (Aaron Hall) begrudgingly yielded into a :27.2 opening panel, with the rest of the field strung out down the backstretch. Case stepped on the breaks and led the tightening pack into a :59 half with Tobins Burke (Andy Harrington) first-over and Axion Hanover taking advantage of the live cover. The pace hastened into a 1:27.1 third quarter, which prompted Campbell to tip Axion Hanover three-wide around the final turn as the front end started to stall. With the momentum in his favour, the five-year-old son of Betting Line strode home a 1-1/4-length winner in 1:57.1. Tobins Burke finished second and Through The Fence picked up third.
Trained by Mark Harris for owner Gayle Harris, Axion Hanover earned his third win in a row and ninth victory of the season fro 27 starts. His lifetime earnings are now just shy of the six-figure mark. He paid $10.40 to win.
Campbell had three additional victories on the card with Reys N A Ruckus ($11.40, 1:58.2), Timbo Slice ($4.80, 1:57.4) and Were Gonna Rock ($18.60, 2:00.2).
McGwire Sowers had three wins on the program, including the Late Double, and Walter Case Jr. won the Daily Double.
Racing resumes on Saturday, Nov. 16 at First Tracks Cumberland.
(With files from First Tracks Cumberland)