Trainer Richard and driver Michel Rey had the hot hands on a sunny Saturday, Aug. 24 in Manitoba as the tandem teamed for four victories at The Loop including a tally in track's top class.
The most lucrative win of the day for the Reys came in the $5,150 Open Pace, with the outside post five assigned to local standout Armycaptin Hanover. The betting public wasn't scared off by that starting spot and sent the 47-time winner off as the 3-5 choice.
Michel Rey settled Armycaptin Hanover into fourth as Two Shoes (Dean Rey) took care of business on the front end through sensible fractions of :28.2 and :58.4. Just before the half, Armycaptin Hanover received marching orders from his pilot, and started a first-over attack around the five-eighths mark.
As the top pair flashed by three-quarters in 1:28.1, Armycaptin Hanover started to pull away from his rivals and that margin lengthened with every stride. A three-length gap at the head of the lane became five at the wire, with the mile timed in 1:59.1. Litizor (Don Howlett) was next best, with Chazmichaelmichael (Richard Remillard) rounding out the top trio.
Laverne Turnbull of Kitchener, Ont. holds the papers on Armycaptin Hanover, an eight-year-old altered son of Captaintreacherous - Allamerican Coed. Now with 47 lifetime victories, Armycaptin Hanover sports career earnings of $335,301. He returned $3.20 to his supporters.
The Open win for Team Rey completed a grand slam on the day, with the tandem connecting for a natural hat trick through the first three races on the eight-race card. Braxtons Boys (2:01.4; $7.00) started the win parade in the lidlifter, followed by Reys Ur Glass (2:08.1; $3.90) to sweep the daily double and then clicking with Is He Watching (2:02.4; $20.40) in the third.
By virtue of Saturday's efforts, both Michel and Richard Rey vaulted to the top of the local driver and trainer standings. Michel's 10 wins at The Loop this year are more than runner-up Glenn LeDrew (7) and Richard's 10 training wins are more than Trevor Williams (7) in second.
For the results from Saturday's card of harness racing in Manitoba, click the following link: Saturday Results - The Loop.
(Standardbred Canada)