Hanover Raceway: Sea Can sails to Balanced Image Trot title

Sea Can broke his own Hanover Raceway track record for a 2-year-old gelding trotter in winning Saturday afternoon's C$44,200 Balanced Image for Ontario-sired rookies in 1:59.

Allisonann Hanover (Mark Etsell) led through opening-half fractions of 28 4/5 and 1:00, but she would be passed by first-over attacker Stonebridge Zeus (Trevor Henry) going to the 1:29 2/5 three-quarters. After Stonebridge Zeus cleared, that left Sea Can (Bob McClure), who had been following from second-over, to take up the chase from first-up.

Stonebridge Zeus dug in and tried to fend off Sea Can, but it was to no avail, as Sea Can took command and then pulled away to win by 2 1/2 lengths. Stonebridge Zeus did end up second, with Sir Ballykeel (Scott Young) back in the third position.

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The clocking of 1:59 lowered the standard of 1:59 2/5 that Sea Can set in winning his elimination race a week ago.

A gelded son of Muscle Mass-SOS Respect (Mr. Lavec), Sea Can is co-owned by trainer Mark Etsell in partnership with breeder Terry Devos and Peter Porter. Sea Can has a record of 2-1-2 from seven tries, has earned C$37,133, and paid $4.70 to win as the second choice in the wagering.