Westwardho Hanover takes Aquarius opener

Westwardho Hanover and driver Yannick Gingras collected an impressive victory in the $35,000 first leg of the Aquarius Series Saturday night, February 4 at the Meadowlands. Starting from the second tier, the Ron Burke-trained four year old brushed to the lead racing to the half and set the pace on the way to a 1:50.4 victory. The winner was followed across the line by Camaes Fellow and Art Z.

 

Lining up behind rail horse Art Z, Westwardho Hanover and Gingras left the gate fifth, quickly moving from the pylons and forging first up in fourth as Camaes Fellow and Brian Sears led the field through a :28 first panel. The leader was soon shuffled as the son of Dragon Again-Western Duel reached the top for Gingras, clicking off a :56 opening half. The duo would extend to a more than two-length advantage racing to the final turn on their way to a :28 third quarter. The winner, sent off at odds of 4-5, would close out the mile with a :26.4 last quarter to earn his second victory in four starts this year.

 

Owned by the Westward Ho Stable, the four year old picked up his second straight win of the year. His previous triumph was a neck victory in the $99,000 Willowdale at Woodbine. Westwardho Hanover has earned more than $75,000 in 2012, and improved his career earnings to more than $663,000.