Overlooked at odds of 10-1, Linedrive Hanover ($23) won the $100,000 Mohawk Gold Cup Invitational Pace in a photo finish for driver James MacDonald and trainer Tony Beaton amid Saturday's stakes action at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
After leaving for early position, Linedrive Hanover closed from third at the top of the stretch and got his nose to the line first in 1:47.2, edging out the pylon-skimming Taurasi (Doug McNair) and 2-1 favourite Abuckabett Hanover (Dexter Dunn), who had led the way after a :53.4 first half.
“I was able to slip out at top of the stretch,” said MacDonald. “And the horse is just… he’s an amazing animal. He's had a couple tough trips this year and he just bounces back like a pro. That's what great horses do.”
A half-brother to North America Cup starter Legendary Hanover, the six-year-old Betting Line-Lillian Hanover gelding is owned by West Wins Stable of Wellington, Fl., McKinlay & Fielding of Toronto, Ont., and Mac Nichol of Burlington, Ont.
Now four-for-nine this year, Linedrive Hanover earned his 18th career victory to go along with 15 other top three finishes from 44 starts, pushing his bankroll over the $800,000 mark.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
(Standardbred Canada)