Alsace Hanover became harness racing's newest millionaire as he rallied home off second over cover to win this week's $38,000 Preferred Pace at Mohawk Racetrack on Saturday night.
With Brett Miller catch-driving, Alsace Hanover got away fifth in the six-horse field while Classic Rock Nroll (Doug McNair) cleared to command during a speedy :26.1 opening quarter ahead of Mystician (Jody Jamieson) and 2-1 favourite Bigtime Ball (Paul MacDonell). The field remained in single-file alignment to the half :55.1 where St Elmo Hero (Scott Zeron) made the first over sacrifice from fourth with Alsace Hanover following his cover.
Classic Rock Nroll maintained his lead past the 1:23.2 third quarter station, but St Elmo Hero collared him at the seven-eighths mark. However, Alsace Hanover unleashed a :25.4 final frame to sweep past that foe for the one and three-quarter length victory in 1:49.3. St Elmo Hero stayed for second and Classic Rock Nroll rounded out the top three finishers.
Alsace Hanover, the third choice in the field, paid $9.50 to win for the 11th time in his career. Tony O'Sullivan trains the four-year-old The Panderosa-Arts Masterpiece gelding for owner John Fielding of Toronto.
Prepping for next week's Maple Leaf Trot, Windsong Geant pulled off a 20-1 upset in the matching Preferred Trot in a career-best 1:52 flat for trainer-driver Rick Zeron and owners The Brabant Stable of London, Ont. and Fred Brayford of Alliston, Ont. The five-year-old Kadabra-Early Secret gelding overcame the outside post nine and front-stepped his way to the three and a quarter length victory over fellow Maple Leaf Trot eligible Hot Shot Blue Chip (Steve Condren) and the popular trotting mare Frenchfrysnvinegar (Jody Jamieson).
Making his first start since finishing third by half-length in the North America Cup, sophomore colt Dapper Dude rallied three-wide at the third quarter pole and kicked home in :27.1 to win the $30,000 Preferred 2 Pace in 1:50.1 for driver Steve Condren and trainer Bob McIntosh. The homebred colt sired by The Panderosa wore down pacesetter The Ladies Man and Doug McNair for the three-quarter length tally. The quick-closing Bullet Speed and Scott Zeron came from the backfield to show. Dapper Dude paid $3.50 to win. He's owned by the Robert McIntosh Stables Inc. of Windsor, Ont. and Al McIntosh Holdings Inc. of Leamington, Ont.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Mohawk Racetrack.