As Tuff As Nails put an end to Jepson Hanover’s perfect six-race win record in the Maritimes, wearing down the sophomore pacer in the stretch for the 1:56.3 victory in the $1,225 Winners Over Pace at Truro
Raceway on Sunday afternoon.
Jepson Hanover, who won his last six starts since moving to the East Coast from Ontario, took control of the field from Post 4 and carved out early fractions of :28 and :57.1 with trainer-driver Danny Romo in tow. From there, four-year-old gelding As Tuff As Nails and driver Marc Whebby pulled the pocket and laid on the pressure past three-quarters in 1:26.3 and into the stretch, where the son of Bettors Delight-Like A Cupcake overpowered the streaking leader. He kicked home to score the 1:56.3 victory by one and three-quarter lengths. ‘Jepson’ finished second with San Marco Hanover (Ryan Ellis) over five lengths back in third.
As Tuff As Nails, who has had his fair share of Ontario starts himself, paid $6.60 to win as the 2-1 second choice. Wayne Eric Whebby owns and trains the bay, who started the year in Ontario and has won five of his six last starts on the East Coast. The 12-time career winner is closing in on $50,000 in lifetime earnings.
For results from Sunday's harness racing card, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Truro Raceway.