Hot Hanover return for J.R. Plante

Harness racing driver Jean Rene Plante was perfect through his first three starts at Hanover Raceway since 2012 on Saturday, including a win in the track’s first feature of the season.

Plante demanded early speed from his charge, Randomirogeo, in the Saturday headliner, and the pair took the lead with little hassle. They faced no opposition as Randomirogeo breezed through the first three splits in :28.3, :58.2, and 1:27.2.

He turned home with only one foe within striking distance, but that rival was no threat. Plante only needed to observe as Randomirogeo jogged to a 1:55.3 victory by three and a quarter lengths. Harpers Hat Trick (Travis Henry) was easily second, and Chuck Heaton Love (Paul Mackenzie) finished third. The winner paid $3.40.

RANDOMIROGEO REPLAY

That was Randomirogeo’s eighth lifetime win on sixteen starts. The son of Ok Boromir has now earned more than $35,000 for owner and breeder Valerie Phillips of Lions Head. John Kennedy trains.

Plante also had wins aboard Stiletto Blue Chip (1:58.3) in the fourth race and Sir Lucknow (2:01) in the fifth. The reinsman, a mainstay at Ontario B-tracks, last drove at Hanover on Aug. 23, 2012, in an Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots event; he finished eighth with In The Wheelhouse. He resides in Burlington.

The Saturday card was Hanover’s first since Saturday, Sep. 19, 2020. Its reopening was delayed by a week due to the Ontario government’s province-wide lockdown, which ended on Friday. The track is currently operating without spectators and with strict COVID-19 protocols in place. Hanover Raceway will return on Saturday, Jun. 19 at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink