The eight-year-old gelded son of The Firepan Evenwood Sonofagun withstood a stretch charge from race-favourite Easy Lover Hanover to narrowly win the $36,000 Preferred Pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday (Feb. 29).
Driver Bob McClure fired Evenwood Sonofagun to the top from post 7 with Double A Mint sitting the pocket and Isitfridayyet racing third. Easy Lover Hanover sat fourth through a :27.1 first quarter before tipping first over and ranging towards the pacesetter heading to a :56 half. He soon drew within a length of Evenwood Sonofagun passing three-quarters in 1:23.1 but lost slight ground at the tip of the turn into the stretch. Easy Lover Hanover surged again after Evenwood Sonofagun but hit the finish a nose short of victory in a 1:51 mile. Isitfridayyet gave chase from third.
Owned by Raymond Huschka, Evenwood Sonofagun won his fourth race from six starts this season and his 32nd in 50 overall, earning $146,829. Colin Johnson conditions the $10.10 winner.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
The story of the year is
The story of the year is Evenwood Sonofagun, Britain's standout pacer for the last three years. Britain's leading trainer Rocker Laidler made him what he is and has driven him in some of his victories since reaching Canada late last year.