Batterup Hanover made a big move on the backstretch, sweeping four-wide from the backfield in Sunday's feature, to haul down the defending Truro Raceway Horse of the Year American Risk for his second straight win in the top pacing class.
Batterup Hanover overcome his outside post to win the $2,500 Winners Over Pace as the 3-2 favourite for trainer/driver Paul Langille.
An impressive winner during last Sunday's season opener, Privilege (Ernie Laffin) got the first call firing from post three, but fellow George Rennison trainee American Risk (Todd Trites), the 2-1 second choice, forged four-deep leaving from post six into the first turn to make front through a :27.2 opening quarter. Meanwhile, Batterup Hanover settled towards the back of the pack in front of his stablemate and trailing tier starter Well Did (Darren Crowe).
American Risk backed down the pace to the half in :57.4 while Langille moved Batterup Hanover into the outer flow third-over behind Vino Louie (Dale Spence), who later went three-wide down the backside the second time as the parked-from-the-start Big Engine (Evan Wilson) began to fade first-over. Langille launched Batterup Hanover four-wide with American Risk getting away by nearly three lengths on top at three-quarters in 1:27.3 then hauled down the pacesetter as they turned for home en route to victory in 1:56 flat. Kicking home in :27.2, Batterup Hanover drew off by 3-1/4 lengths down the stretch. American Risk settled for the runner-up honours for the second straight week while Privilege held third over Vino Louie.
Now two-for-two to open the Truro meet, Batterup Hanover picked up his 14th victory lifetime to push his bankroll to $57,493. He paid $5 to win.
The five-year-old Betting Line gelding is owned by Nova Scotia residents Debbie Francis of Sweets Corner, Rosanne Langille of Lower Onslow, Douglas Lowthers of Dartmouth and Chantel Langille of Truro.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Truro Raceway.