After a first-over grinding win one week ago, Hugh Heff played the role of rabbit in the top class at Northside Downs on Saturday, Aug. 31. Both trips resulted in Canada's top dash winner of 2024 having his photo taken once again.
Sent off as the 3-5 choice in the $1,600 Winners Over Pace, Hugh Heff left aggressively from post two for driver Randy Getto once released by the starter and eventually cleared Red Rum She Wrote (Martin Bates) to show his tail to the field with a :29.2 opening quarter. Thunder Alley (Gerard Kennedy) tried a first-over approach after not finding a seat but wasn't a factor as Hugh Heff controlled the tempo through tepid middle fractions of 1:00.2 and 1:30.2. The advantage after those fractions were definitely on the side of the frontstepper, and he scooted away from his rivals with a :29.2 final stanza to win by four in 1:59.4. Red Rum She Wrote stayed for second with QTs Charlie (Jeremy Baker) edging out Runaway Mystery (Harold Leblanc, Jr.) for the show spot.
With the win, Hugh Heff is tied as of press time for the North American lead in seasonal victories with 16. That's the same amount as pacing mare Need Ur Opinion, who races on Sunday, Sept. 1 at Harrah's Philadelphia.
Dana Getto trains Hugh Heff (Betterthancheddar - Danika Patrix) for his driver, Susan MacSween of River Ryan, N.S. and Wayne Hardy of Sydney, N.S. He returned $3.30 to win in his 24th lifetime victory, inching closer to the $100,000 mark in career earnings.
For the results from Saturday's card of harness racing in Cape Breton, click the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.
(Standardbred Canada)