Despite having to endure both a second-row start and weakening cover, Katch Kanna ($20.10) had enough in the tank to collar Power And Grace in Wednesday's (June 30) $11,500 Preferred 2-3 Handicap Trot at Grand River Raceway.
As the race commenced, J.R. Plante kept Katch Kanna on the helmet of Greg Dustin — who left with Scene A Magician from the pole — to secure the pocket on the first turn. The eight-year-old Lucky Chucky gelding was relegated to third when Power And Grace (Brett MacDonald) swept to the fore at the end of a :27.3 first quarter, but he maintained a clear stalking journey through a :56.3 half.
Shortly after beginning the second circuit, Katch Kanna angled second-over to follow Norwegian Dad (Paul MacKenzie) into the clubhouse turn, but was forced three-wide with three-eighths to go. He surged to a narrow lead over Power And Grace past three-quarters in 1:26.3, but the mare countered on the far turn to re-establish a one-length lead at the top of the stretch. Not to be outdone, Katch Kanna surged again after straightening for home, winning by a neck in 1:58. Power And Grace was a game second; Scene A Magician finished third up the open stretch.
Jacques Dupont trains Katch Kanna, now a 27-time winner in his career, for Les Ecuries Dorleans Inc. and Sylvain Descheneaux.
A pair of Ontario-sired two-year-old pacers established lifetime marks on the 11-race card: Love That Smile ($9.30) rode the pocket behind duelling leaders before Colin Kelly hooked her three-wide off the home turn to reach in 2:00.4, while My Blueberry Buck ($2.80) rated moderate splits en route to a 1:59.3 score under James MacDonald.
To view Wednesday's complete results, click the following link: Wednesday Results – Grand River Raceway.