Sent the public choices, Il Sogno Dream, at 6-5, and Easy Lover Hanover, at 3-5, won their respective divisions of the $34,000 Preferred on the Saturday, November 4 program at Woodbine Racetrack.
Il Sogno Dream, trotting to a 1:52.3 victory, floated away fourth while Muscial Rhythm sprinted to lead in :25.3. Jonathan Drury first over and rushed Il Sogno Dream to take control before a :55.3 half.
Controlling through three-quarters in 1:25, Il Sogno Dream led into the stretch clear of Musical Rhythm chasing in second, while Odds On Amethyst moved wide off cover and closed down the center of the track. Il Sogno Dream held a two-and-a-quarter length advantage over Odds On Amethyst at the line, with Muscial Rhythm holding third.
His 24th win in 89 starts, Il Sogno Dream, a six-year-old by Cantab Hall out of the Fill V mare Le Reve, has earned $1,083,134 for owners Bill and Dan Manes and Leonard and Randy Christopher. Trained by Victory Puddy, he paid $4.50 to win.
Easy Lover Hanover, the 3-5 choice, pulled first over around the final turn to take the Preferred Pace in 1:50.
Sitting third, Easy Lover Hanover stalked a pace set by Jins Shark, who paced a quarter in :25.1 and was pressured through a :54 half by Phoenix Warrior N, who cleared the lead moving into the far turn as Easy Lover Hanover moved wide and uncovered.
Edging to the front following a 1:22.2 third-quarter, Easy Lover Hanover kicked to a three-and-a-half length lead into the stretch, with Phoenix Warrior N chasing in second. Tracking the favourite's cover, Evenin Of Pleasure pursued Easy Lover Hanover late in the stretch from third over to take second, while Nirvana Seelster, from second over, snagged third.
A four-year-old gelding by Somebeachsomewhere from the Pro Bono Best mare Easy Go Go, Easy Lover Hanover, owned by Brad Grant, won his 20th race in 52 starts, earning $496,509. Trained by Ben Wallace and driven by Jody Jamieson, he paid $3.50 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Racetrack.