Late-charging Dontpokethedragon raised the pressure on tempo-setter Tiempo Hanover, but the seven-year-old Western Ideal gelding passed the beam just in time to take the $8,100 Open Pace at Century Downs on Tuesday (July 20).
Trainer-driver Brandon Campbell took command with Tiempo Hanover, pocketing even-money favourite Icy Blue Scooter to a :27.2 first quarter. Armycaptin Hanover angled first over passing the stands first time and carried Dontpokethedragon into contention through a :56.3 half and towards three-quarters in 1:24. Tiempo Hanover maintained control around the final turn as Dontpokethedragon sprung off cover and rallied in the straightaway. But Tiempo Hanover had enough left in the tank to keep a nose in front at the end of a 1:53 mile. Icy Blue Scooter finished third.
Owned by Jodi Loftus, Dana Shore and Raymond Henry, Tiempo Hanover won his third race from nine starts this season and his 18th from 126 overall, earning $174,214. He paid $17.10 to win.
Daddys Eyes won the sub-featured $8,100 pace earlier in the card. Trainer-driver Kelly Hoerdt floated the six-year-old Mr Brightside gelding into third to a :27.1 first quarter and stayed put through a :56.2 half. Hoerdt sent his charge after the lead into the backstretch, blitzing pacesetter and 7-5 favourite Freedoms Fellow to three-quarters in 1:24.2. Losing slight ground around the final turn, Daddys Eyes dashed to the lead on the straightaway to win by 1-1/2 lengths over fast-closing Chocolate Terror. Freedoms Fellow faded to third.
Co-owned by Hoerdt with K. Carole Dunbar, Daddys Eyes won his second race from eight starts this season and his 11th from 91 overall, earning $65,091. He paid $10.00 to win.
Trainer Dave Kelly collected three wins on the afternoon card. He won the opening race with Chasing Shadows ($12.10), won in the middle of the card with Whiskey Throttle ($5.20) and won in the finale with HF Thegreatpumpkin ($10.00).
To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Century Downs.