Opening Day at The Loop: HNU Picks & Analysis

A six-dash card kicks off the 2024 Manitoba harness racing season at The Loop on Saturday (June 29). 39 horses draw in which makes for decent fields in every race. There is also a $1 Pick 4 which starts in the fourth race and runs through till the end.

A free stream to watch the races is available here and simulcast wagering is expected to be available.

The feature race is the $4800 Open in the final race. A field of the six top-aged pacers on the ground looks to kick off the meet right.

The 2-1 morning line favourite Armycaptin Hanover (Captaintrecherous) is coming from Fraser Downs where he was competing and even winning in the Preferred. The eight-year-old gelding has six wins already this year and his most recent was in April at Fraser Downs. He also achieved a new lifetime mark of 1:51.3 during the spring meet in B.C. Richard Rey now handles training duties while Michel Rey will be in the bike.

ARMYCAPTIN HANOVER REPLAY 

Although he has yet to win this year, Mach Jacobs (Mach Three) has been racing at the pinnacle harness racing track in Canada, Woodbine Mohawk Park. In 20 starts this year, the seven-year-old gelding has finished either second or third place a total of nine times. He did visit the winner’s circle on seven occasions last year and his most recent win was a 1:57.2 performance at Western Fair. Lorraine Rey now trains Mach Jacobs and Dean Rey will be in charge of driving duties.

MACH JACOBS REPLAY 

The only mare in the field, One Last Bet (Betting Line) will look to play a minor upset against the boys. She has won seven times in 14 starts this year which is a pretty good batting average. She’s also finished in the top three 11 times this year which means she’s often able to find her way near the top. The five-year-old mare has won four of her last five starts which were all at Western Fair. His latest win was in 1:56.1 which stands as her best mile time of the year. Roland Rey trains while defending top driver, Blake Piwniuk is in the sulky

ONE LAST BET REPLAY

My Picks

Race 1

Shots Fired (1)

Everyones Hero (2)

Seek And Destroy (6)

 

Race 2

Laza Mania (4)

Not So Bashful (1)

Reys Ur Glass (3)

 

Race 3

Super Cozey (2)

Can C That (1)

Im Outrageous Too (8)

 

Race 4

Choozetocruise (6)

Braxtons Buddy (1)

Voodoo Blue Chip (2)

 

Race 5

Braxton’s Boy (1)

Texasdrifter (3)

Betchuloveme (5)

 

Race 6

Armycaptin Hanover (3)

Mach Jacobs (5)

One Last Bet (6)

 

Pick 4

2,1,8/6/1/3,5,6

 

Mike Williams’ Picks

Race 1

Shots Fired (1)

Everyones Hero (2)

Nonversation (5)

 

Race 2

Lazar Mania (4)

Tough Crowd (6)

Grit N Grace (7)

 

Race 3

Super Cozey (2)

Im Outrageous Too (8)

Is He Watching (6)

 

Race 4

Choozetocruise (6)

Reys N Mischief (4)

Voodoo Blue Chip (2)

 

Race 5

Braxtons Boy (1)

Texasdrifter (3)

Betchuloveme (5)

 

Race 6

Armycaptin Hanover (3)

Mach Jacobs (5)

One Last Bet (6)

 

Pick 4

2,8/6/1,3/3

 

The first race kicks off at 2:00 p.m. EST.

For complete race results, click here.

by Trey Colbeck, for Harnesslink