Hang On Sloopy kicks off Fraser season strong

Hang On Sloopy (Betterthancheddar) won her 2024 debut as Fraser Downs opened its meet on Thursday (Feb. 8) with a seven-dash harness racing card.

The mare headed for the engine under the guidance of Scott Knight and led the field through first-half panels of :28.1 and :58.2. She had to fend off the first-up Mystic Shadow (Brad Watt) through three-quarters in 1:27 and kept her a length back coming down the lane. Gin Is Better (Clinton Warrington) roared up in the stretch and came within inches of victory, but Hang On Sloopy survived by a nose to complete a 1:55.4 win. Mystic Shadow finished third.

HANG ON SLOOPY

Hang On Sloopy, who has made every start at Fraser Downs since 2021 for trainer Reginald Wonnenberg, is now 12-for-81 lifetime with $115,527 in the bank. Wonnenberg co-owns and co-bred the six-year-old with Gail Brassington.

Drivers Allan Molloy and John Abbott each won two on opening night.

Fraser Downs races again on Friday, Feb. 9, hosting a seven-race card headlined by the first Preferred of the season. The track will hold racing on Thursdays and Fridays every week until Apr. 16, with an additional Saturday card on Mar. 2.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink