Launching off cover into the stretch, Traceur Hanover rolled towards the front and hit the finish in time to win the $36,000 Preferred Pace on Saturday (Nov. 8) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Away ninth to a :26.3 opening quarter, Traceur Hanover raced off early speed set by Matticulous GB and Wheels On Fire, the latter managing to grab the lead past a :55.3 half. Rockme Rollme, tracking Wheels On Fire’s brush to the top, raced uncovered into the final turn and pressed the new leader to three-quarters in 1:23.4 all while Traceur Hanover sat third over and began to swing to the center of the track.
Off the turn the early battlers faltered. So Much More, the 2-1 favourite, vaulted off cover from second over to take a narrow lead as Hail Christian N closed into contention alongside Traceur Hanover. But Traceur Hanover had the most momentum heading for the beam and landed three-quarter lengths in front of Hail Christian N in a 1:52.1 mile with So Much More finishing third and Points North slipping into fourth.
An eight-year-old stallion by Western Ideal, Traceur Hanover won his sixth race from 27 starts this season and his 41st from 174 overall, earning $1,118,519. Louis-Philippe Roy drove the $10.50 winner for trainer Benoit Baillargeon and owner Richard Berthiaume.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.