In last week's race, Canadian record holder Linedrive Hanover made a remarkable comeback finishing second with a blazing sub-:26 final quarter in his first appearance of 2024. This performance set the stage for a potential entry in the opening leg of the MGM Borgata Pacing Series, as the talented gelding put in a stellar display during a qualifying run on Saturday at The Meadowlands.
Under the guidance of driver Scott Zeron, Linedrive Hanover shadowed Fortify, who was making his seasonal debut, as they navigated through fractions of :27.2, :55.2, and 1:24 on the 'good' track surface. Zeron urged Linedrive Hanover forward approaching the final stretch, and the six-year-old responded emphatically with a swift :26.3 closing quarter. Overpowering Fortify, Linedrive Hanover crossed the finish line more than three lengths ahead in an impressive time of 1:50.4.
Former half-mile track world champion This Is The Plan marked a strong return in 2024, securing second place under the guidance of driver Yannick Gingras. Churchviewfrankl Ir, driven by Jordan Stratton, narrowly outpaced Fortify to clinch the third spot.
Trained by Linda Toscano in the United States, Linedrive Hanover (Betting Line - Lillian Hanover) is owned by Casie Coleman's West Wins Stable in Wellington, Florida, alongside McKinlay & Fielding in Toronto, and Mac Nichol in Burlington, Ontario.
With 14 victories to his name, the talented gelding has amassed $590,735 in earnings and holds the title of the fastest horse on a half-mile track in Canadian harness racing, courtesy of his remarkable 1:49h triumph in the 2022 Charles Juravinski Memorial at Flamboro Downs.