Off the strength of a three-wide brush around the final turn, Patriarch Hanover rallied in the final stages to take the $15,500 Preferred Trot on Monday (Aug. 24) at Grand River Raceway with Travis Cullen in the sulky for trainer Jodie Cullen.
With a scratch to his inside, Patriarch Hanover left from post five as the even-money second choice in the wagering in the field of eight. Patriarch Hanover settled into the fifth position early while Djimon (Scott Coulter) worked to the outside of Locatelli (Natasha Day) to lead at the first quarter in :28. Once clear, Djimon led unchallenged to the half in :57 before The Fixer (Brett MacDonald) moved first-over with Patriarch Hanover tracking that cover onto the backstretch. Djimon raced two lengths clear on the way to three-quarters in 1:25.3, with Patriarch Hanover beginning to tip three-deep moving into the final turn.
Djimon was still the one to catch turning for home, with Patriarch Hanover towering up on the outside and taking aim at the leader in the lane. Once straightened away, Patriarch Hanover gobbled up racetrack, striking the front and hitting the wire a length clear in 1:55.1. Djimon was second, with The Fixer holding for third.
It was the fifth victory this season in 28 outings for Patriarch Hanover, who is owned by A1stable of Dundas, Ont. The nine-year-old stallion son of Father Patrick-Personal Style is nearing millionaire status, with $996,055 banked lifetime following his 36th career victory.
To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Grand River Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada)