Top Fraser Downs pacers Armycaptin Hanover and Sunshine Boy squared off once again in the stretch with their Friday, April 5 match-up in the $10,000 Preferred Pace ending in another close call.
The pair last faced off two weeks ago on March 22 with Armycaptin Hanover prevailing by a half-length in a career-best 1:51.3. That Rod Therres trainee doubled up in the track's top class, winning another photo finish by a head this time out.
Itll Be Fine showed his usual gate speed for driver David Hudon and got the first call with Armycaptin Hanover and Sunshine Boy leaving from the outside. Allan Molloy tucked Armycaptin Hanover in the pocket behind Itll Be Fine while Scott Knight drove on with Sunshine Boy through a :27.2 opening panel.
The Jim Marino-trained Sunshine Boy cleared to command as the field of five passed in front of the grandstand the first time and backed down the pace to the half in :57.2.
As Sunshine Boy raced on to three-quarters in 1:24 with company coming, Molloy made his move with Armycaptin Hanover and the stretch duel between the even-money co-favourites ensued. The pair hit the wire together in 1:52.3, with Armycaptin Hanover ultimately getting the salute. Itll Be Fine chased through the passing lane but finished 1-3/4 lengths behind in third.
Armycaptin Hanover has now won three of his last four starts while taking on Sunshine Boy in the Preferreds since being claimed by Therres for $20,000 last month. He paid $4.20 to win and $2.20 to place. There was no show wagering.
The eight-year-old Captaintreacherous-Allamerican Coed gelding now boasts 42 career wins and $313,801 in purse earnings.
Once race later, Molloy teamed up with Therres' homebred claiming pacer Dillion James ($5.20) for back-to-back victories on the card, going from last to first in 1:57.1.
Kelly Hoerdt led all trainers with a triple on the nine-race program, driving his winning stable starters Light My Shadow ($3.30), Joe Dimagio ($4.40) and Everyones Hero ($5).
To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Fraser Downs.
(Standardbred Canada)