Second time’s the charm for Tiempo Hanover

Tiempo Hanover was caught in the final strides last week’s opening day harness racing Open at Century Downs, but the gelding was in control on Tuesday as he went wire-to-wire in the top class.

Tiempo Hanover, starting from post five, sped away from the pack at the start for Brandon Campbell and had an uncontested hold on the lead as the field of eight banked into the first turn. He enjoyed an unopposed first quarter mile in :27 and half in :55.1, but Campbell requested more speed from the gelding as Dontpokethedragon (Michael Hennessey) loomed first-over going to three-quarters in 1:23.2.

Dontpokethedragon couldn’t do more than loom, however, as Tiempo Hanover stayed strong in the stretch and maintained a two-length gap to the finish and scored in 1:53. Dontpokethedragon took place, and Crackle N Burn (Nathan Sobey) was third after a pocket trip. The winner returned $4.30.

TIEMPO HANOVER REPLAY

Tiempo Hanover earned his second victory of 2021 on Tuesday. His first came at Fraser Downs before that track, located in British Columbia, prematurely ended its meet. The horse has now made more than $165,000 and won 17 races in his 122 attempts. Campbell trains the seven-year-old son of Western Ideal for Jodi Loftus and Raymond Henry of Calgary, and Dana Shore of St. Albert.

Hennessey was the afternoon’s top reinsman with five wins on the 10-race card. He scored aboard Rapidash (1:59.2) in a dead heat in the first, Cenalta Sunrise (1:56.4) in the fourth, Whiplash Smile (1:57) in the seventh, and Chief Saratoga (*:**.*) in the eighth.

Century Downs’ next day of racing takes place on Sunday, Jun. 20.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink