Beren Hanover waited until the backstretch to make his move and then powered home to score his first win of the year in the $10,500 Open Pace on Sunday afternoon at Fraser Downs.
Driving on from the outermost post eight, Blue Star Admiral worked his way to the lead over insiders Rock Allstar and Beren Hanover through a :27.1 first quarter. Positions remained unchanged through the :56.2 half, but then trainer/driver Allan Molloy moved Beren Hanover out down the backstretch. The five-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover edged by the pacesetter as they passed three-quarters in 1:25.1 and then paced away down the stretch. Cantbeatacheetah followed the winner's cover to place, over two lengths behind. Cowboy Caper came on from the backfield to show, just ahead of Rock Allstar.
The 3-1 second choice to Rock Allstar, Beren Hanover paid $8.20 to win. He is owned by Dal Reo Farms of Pitt Meadows, B.C.
The 13-time career winner surpassed $100,000 in earnings.
Sunday's $5,000 Capo Construction-sponsored feature was won by 1-2 favourite Camblazer, who lead from start to finish throughout the 1-5/8 mile event, posting a final time of 3:15. The win was the nine-year-old pacer's second in a row and 21st lifetime. Gramrun Jake followed one and three-quarter lengths behind while Contesta Hanover completed the top three finishers out of the 10-horse field.
Special guest, NHL Vancouver Canuck alumni Tracy Pratt, joined Capo Construction for the winner's circle presentation to the connections of Camblazer. Travis Bowman drove the Camcracker gelding for trainer Justin Currie and owner Angelique Currie of Langley, B.C.
The race was Fraser Downs' first community business-sponsored race.
Sunday also wrapped up a weekend-long silent auction fundraiser benefitting injured driver Jim Marino.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Fraser Downs.