Dahlquist Hanover steps up, scores third straight

Dahlquist Hanover (Walner) rejoined the Flamboro Downs Preferred ranks and won his third consecutive harness racing contest on Wednesday (Dec. 13).

The gelding performed a give-and-go from the rail to secure the lead in an opening quarter of :27.3. Power And Grace (Brett MacDonald), also aiming for three straight, remained in the pocket through :57.4 and 1:26.3 fractions.

If The Shoe Fits (Scott Coulter) was first-up and advancing down the backstretch but stalled on the final turn. All four rivals fanned out to chase Dahlquist Hanover home, but none threatened the leader as he coasted to victory in 1:56.1.

Power And Grace was second by a length-and-a-quarter. Sicario (Austin Sorrie) circled from last and won a three-horse photo for show.

DAHLQUIST HANOVER REPLAY

Dahlquist Hanover is now seven-for-21 as a three-year-old after a winless rookie season among stakes company. The gelding was successful at Yonkers earlier in the year before returning to Ontario in October for trainer Garry Merner. Gino Toscani has owned Dahlquist Hanover for 29 starts, seven wins, and $97,587 in earnings.

The card also saw a Dutch exactor as Lucas Nl (Quite Easy) and Lions Wish Nl finished one-two in the sixth. The five-year-old geldings, both trained by Francis Guillemette, came to Canada from their native Netherlands for owner Peter Delis in 2022. Lucas Nl has now won seven times on the year and is 11-for-70 lifetime.

Flamboro Downs will feature a Fillies and Mares Preferred Pace on its Thursday, Dec. 14 card. First post is set for 6:35 p.m. EST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink