The pair of second leg $7,100 Prospect Series divisions for three-year-old trotting colts contested at Hanover Raceway on Saturday (July 11) were captured by horses each making their first appearance in this tier. And while each victor won convincingly, neither horse was sent off as an overwhelming favourite.
Six horses were programmed in each division, but the first split looked like a two-horse race. A scratch and three early breaks left just Los Ballykeelamigo (Bruce Richardson) and Wheelin Willie (Wayne Henry) as likely winners. Los Ballykeelamigo controlled the tempo through fractions of :31.1, 1:03.1 and 1:33.2 before engaging the afterburners and pulling away from Wheeling Willie late in the mile. The margin of victory was more than seven lengths in a lifetime best 2:03.1 mile, with Goaltender (Marie-Claude Auger) charted as 47-1/2 lengths back in third.
A homebred owned by trainer Cam McKnight (as Ballykeel Racing Inc.) Los Ballykeelamigo (Amigo Hall - Ballykeel Majestic) now boasts two wins in four sophomore starts after a winless 11-start rookie season.
Laval Titan and driver Steve Byron easily disposed of their rivals in the second division, rebuffing a challenge of Les Nessman (Richardson) at the third quarter before comfortably trotting away to a two-length decision in a life's best 2:01.3. Favoured Hoya Saxa (Doug McNair) was second with Royal Jewels (Brett MacDonald) completing the triactor.
Dany Fontaine trains Laval Titan (E L Titan - Intense Mary) for breeder-owner Ecurie Gaetan Bono of Quebec. The win was the first of the year for Laval Titan in three starts and second lifetime.
Prospect Series action for the male trotting sophomores shifts to Dresden Raceway with the third leg slated for Monday, August 3.
To view the results from Saturday card of harness racing at Hanover, click the following link: Saturday Results - Hanover Raceway.