In the midst of a downpour, Armycaptin Hanover emerged best of a three-across finish in the Fraser Downs Open Pace harness racing feature on Apr. 9 to complete a last-to-first stunner.
Scott Knight withheld the gelding from the gate and sent him to last of six early as Kneedeep N Custard (Kelly Hoerdt) and Just A Start (Brandon Campbell) fought for the lead through a :27.3 first quarter. The latter won that duel before the half in :54.4.
Armycaptin Hanover started rolling at that point, moving second-over on the backside behind the cover of Dontpokethedragon (William Tainsh), who bested him in the previous week’s open. Dontpokethedragon and Just A Start threw down going past three-quarters in 1:24 as Armycaptin Hanover loomed in third.
Just A Start appeared to get away from the first-over challenger, but he tired in the stretch and both Dontpokethedragon and Armycaptin Hanover laid siege coming to the wire. The trio hit the finish line together in a tight photo, but it was Armycaptin Hanover who crossed it first in 1:53.4. Dontpokethedragon got up for place, and Just A Start was a game third.
ARMYCAPTIN HANOVER REPLAY
Armycaptin Hanover, a five-year-old son of Captaintreacherous, has now made $72,559 and has a record of 13-for-54. Hoerdt trains and co-owns with Blair Corbeil of Beaumont. That victory was the horse’s first of the season. He paid $11.60 to win.
Campbell clawed two back in the race for the drivers’ title. He scored five wins on the night to Hoerdt‘s three. Hoerdt now has only one win over his rival, with the score sitting at 26-25. Knight is third with seven.
For full race results, click here.
by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink