Trainer Ben Baillargeon sent a strong, 1-2 punch going into Monday’s $34,000 final of the Pepsi Trotting Series at Woodbine Mohawk Park, but it was another Quebec native who watched one of his square-gaited students pull off the minor upset.
The Luc Blais-trained Steuben Hanover survived a first-over trip to win the inaugural edition of the series in an eye-catching clocking of 1:53.3.
Steuben Hanover got away fourth in the early going while race favourite Refi shot to the front from Post 8. Refi hit the quarter pole in :27.4, but he gave way to stablemate Zig Zag in the backstretch. Zig Zag marched to the half in :57.3 before coming under attack going into the final turn by Steuben Hanover.
Zig Zag got poor gaited late and rolled off stride, whereas Steuben Hanover kicked out :27.1 closing speed to win by 1-1/4 lengths over Refi in 1:53.3. Blazing Trail overcame the outside post to be a solid third.
The four-year-old son of Trixton-Star Hanover won for the first time in three attempts this season for owner Determination of Montreal, QC. The five-time winner took home $17,000 for the win, thus pushing his lifetime bankroll to $75,908 in the process.
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Woodbine Mohawk Park.