NA Cup contender and O'Brien winner flies in 1:48.3

Legendary Hanover (Huntsville), one of the top candidates for the North America Cup, won a commanding harness race at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday, May 18, lowering his lifetime mark to 1:48.3.

Under James MacDonald's guidance, the sophomore, who was named Canada's 2023 Pacing Colt of the Year, came onto the backside and quickly moved from third to the lead. The legendary Hanover gained ground on the last turn and swept the finish line, winning by four and a quarter lengths in 1:48.3. Trevor Henry's Southwind Sambucca came in second, and Tyler Borth's Reign Supreme came in third.

The legendary Hanover won the Dream Maker, Nassagaweya, and Champlain last year after going undefeated through his first six starts at two. On his way to divisional honours, he qualified for the Breeders Crown final and finished second in the Metro. He started his three-year-old season with back-to-back victories, increasing his lifetime earnings to $428,100. The horse is being trained by Tony Beaton for Eric Good of Davidsonville, West Wins Stable of Wellington, and Mark Dumain of Pine Bush. He has won eight times in 11 starts.

For a few minutes, his mile time was the fastest in North America this season, until Oakwood Ardan IR ran a 1:48 at The Meadowlands.

Captains Quarters (Captaintreacherous), who was defeated by Legendary Hanover by a single vote in the O'Brien Award, got off to a strong start in his second season on the card.

After the quarter, Jody Jamieson moved him from fourth to first place before the half, circling Bob Loblaw (Sylvain Filion) with three wide passes. By the top of the lane, the colt had moved away by four lengths, and he continued to open up many more before winding down and coasting to a score of three and a quarter lengths in 1:50.1. With a valiant effort, captain Karlos (MacDonald) increased his run of place finishes to five. Henry concluded the ticket with Call Me It.

The 2023 Metro Pace winner Captains Quarters is currently three for six lifetime with $536,404 in earnings. Herb Holland sets up Chelsea's Rich Stiles, another candidate for the North America Cup, as a sophomore.

Hours after favourite Captain Albano won his 2024 debut at Pocono Downs, Legendary Hanover and Captains Quarters—the second and fourth selections in the NA Cup Spring Book—performed.

Mohawk Park hosted a family-friendly fireworks and fun night on Saturday. The pyrotechnic show following the last race attracted a large crowd to the track, which was crowded for the annual event.

Woodbine Mohawk Park will have racing on Monday, May 20 at 7:10 p.m. EDT.