Starting from Post 8 as the longest shot on the tote, Hooter Shooter ranged into contention from third over and then barreled off cover to win a photograph in the $4,500 Preferred Handicap Pace at Hippodrome 3R on Sunday, July 7.
Outlaw Turn N Burn brushed to the front with Surf Report leaving alongside before backing into the pocket past a :27.1 opening quarter. Requested, parked from the start, gained ground on the leader heading towards a :56.4 half with Appleby Hanover second over and Hooter Shooter moving from last to race third over.
While Outlaw Turn N Burn crept towards three-quarters in 1:26.2, Requested remained alongside a neck away moving to the final turn. Driver Stephane Brosseau already fanned towards the center of the course with Hooter Shooter and spun into the stretch a length away from Outlaw Turn N Burn. The six-year-old Badlands Hanover gelding continued to close ground and edged a nose in front of Outlaw Turn N Burn on the finish to win in 1:56. Pocket-sitter Surf Report took third.
Returning $25.80 to win, Hooter Shooter won his fifth race from 18 starts this season and his 15th from 83 overall, earning $90,576. Marc Simoneau owns and trains the winner.
Sir Chopin opened the Sunday program with a pocket-popping 1:59.2 performance in the $4,000 Preferred 3 Trot. Trainer-driver Kevin Maguire—who owns the four-year-old Lucky Fool gelding with his Ecuries Maguire Inc.—stalked R Rkadabra as he set splits of :28.3 and :58.2 on the lead. Approaching three-quarters in 1:29, Maguire moved Sir Chopin off the pegs and swept to the front turning for home. Dance Hall George tracked his move and chased the winner to finish second, a length behind. Stonebridge Alert closed for third.
Winning his second race from five starts this season and his fourth from 17 overall, Sir Chopin has earned $15,524. He paid $7.30 to win.
For more recaps from H3R’s Sunday program, click here.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Hippodrome 3R.