TORONTO, November 19— Snowstorm Hanover grabbed control early in the mile and coasted around the Woodbine harness racing oval to a 1:55.1 win as the 7-5 public choice in the $404,000 Valley Victory Final on Saturday evening.
The Ron Burke-trained colt by Muscle Massive out of the Andover Hall mare Snow Angel Hanover was sent to the front by driver Matt Kakaley, trotting splits of :28.1 and :57.3.
Into the final turn, Snowstorm Hanover gained three lengths of separation from pocket-rider Moonshiner Hanover, as well as from first-over pursuer Jake and International Moni on his back.
Trotting three-quarters in 1:25.3, Snowstorm Hanover still held a sizable lead through the stretch. International Moni fanned off cover and narrowed in on the leader while Jake chased them from third, but Snowstorm Hanover remained in front by a length.
“I got to the front, just like in the elimination, and he held them off,” said Kakaley. “There was [a tense moment] in about the last sixteenth or so when I heard them coming, and he was getting a little tired, but he was still good.”
Returning $4.90 to win, Snowstorm Hanover won his sixth race in 14 starts, amassing $395,919 in earnings for owners Burke Racing Stables LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, and Phillip Collura.
by Ray Cotolo for WEG Communications