Aracache Hanover persevered over Canada's reigning Horse of the Year to take top honours in this week's $34,000 Preferred Pace on Saturday night at Mohawk Racetrack.
Aracache Hanover held off the pocket-pulling Michaels Power by a neck in 1:49.3 for the driver-trainer team of Doug and Gregg McNair.
The six-year-old son of Dragon Again overcome an outside post eight start during a :26-second opening quarter and quickly recollected himself after putting in a couple of steps. He proceeded to carve out middle fractions of :54.4 and 1:23 before coming under attack late in the mile by the 2-5 favourite. Last Saturday's Preferred winner Michaels Power, driven by Scott Zeron, unleashed a :26.1 final frame, but couldn't catch the leader in time. First over Sunshine Beach and Chris Christoforou finished nearly three lengths behind in third.
Aracache Hanover earned his fourth win of the season in 14 starts for New York owners William Switala and James Martin. The $1.5 million earner now boasts 26 victories on his lifetime record.
Sent postward as the 6-1 third choice, Aracache Hanover paid $15.80 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Mohawk Racetrack.