The world's fastest Standardbred, Bulldog Hanover prepared for his final career start with a strong qualifier on Friday (Nov. 18) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Jody Jamieson guided the son of Shadow Play - BJs Squall to a wire-to-wire 1:52 win in the morning's sixth and final qualifier, besting longtime rival Desperate Man (Trevor Henry) by more than five lengths.
Trainer and co-owner Jack Darling told Trot Insider that the performance of Bulldog Hanover was very impressive given the conditions.
"It was cold and there was a cold wind [in the stretch] but the track was good," said Darling. "That was a big mile today and we're happy with it.
"He was great today. It seems he's as good as ever. He was just full of himself; even warming up, a little more than usual...I'm expecting a good effort [in the TVG]."
The consensus choice for 2022 Horse of the Year honours in both Canada and the U.S., Bulldog Hanover sports a summary of 13-1-0 from 15 starts this year with earnings approaching $1.7 million. He'll look to add to those totals next Saturday (Nov. 26) at The Meadowlands Racetrack in the TVG Free-For-All final.
While the start next Saturday will be his final competitive on-track appearance for Darling and co-owner Brad Grant of Milton, Ont., sources indicate that Bulldog Hanover will have a Canadian farewell appearance next month. Details on that will be posted when available.
The full video from the Friday session is available below.
For results from the qualifying session, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park (Qualifiers).