Hippodrome 3R: Redwood Hanover springs a surprise in Prix d'Été

Redwood Hanover posted the biggest victory of his career so far by taking Sunday afternoon's C$200,000 Prix d'Été for 4-year-old male pacers at Hippodrome 3R in Quebec. Sent off at 14-1, Redwood Hanover scored in 1:52 2/5.

Driven by Jonathan Drury, Redwood Hanover was unhurried off the gate and landed in fifth from post three. In front of him, El Rey (Louis-Philippe Roy) shot to the lead from the pole position, but Its My Show (James MacDonald) also blasted out from post seven, and Its My Show would work his way past El Rey beyond the 26 1/5 opening quarter. Its My Show would go on to hit the half in 55 3/5, but Huntinthelastdolar (Doug McNair) was moving first-over out of fourth at that stage, with Redwood Hanover positioned second-over and No Control (Jody Jamieson) in the third-over slot.

Huntinthelastdolar went by Its My Show and crossed back down to the pylons as they entered the backstretch, leaving Redwood Hanover uncovered. Despite losing the helmet, Redwood Hanover maintained interest and battled with Huntinthelastdolar to three-quarters in 1:24 2/5 and around the final bend. Through the lane, Redwood Hanover wore down and went by Huntinthelastdolar before he edged clear late to get the win by a length and a quarter. Huntinthelastdolar was second, No Control was third, and Tip Top Cat (Stephane Brosseau) grabbed fourth. Act Fast (Dan Dube), who lost all chance when he got stuck on the inside behind a stopping Its My Show, was fifth.

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"He raced really good his last start at Mohawk, and I know he's got a big kick. I just needed them to rough it up a little bit, which they did, and things worked out in our favor," Drury said following the race. "I saw Dougie starting to clear down the backside. I still had a ton of horse, so I figured I'd be able to give him a pretty good run. I just wasn't sure if mine would be able to pace by him or not, but he was covered up long enough that he was able to get the job done."

Trainer Tony Beaton also co-owns Redwood Hanover, a 4-year-old horse by Stay Hungry, with partners Mac Nichol, McKinlay & Fielding and David Mercer. Redwood Hanover is now a seven-time winner from 35 appearances, he has earned C$420,992 and he paid $30.90 to win.