by Jim Miller, for Hawthorne Race Course

Peter Kouchis, Terry Leonard and Dandy Farms Inc.’s November Rain emerged victorious in Saturday night’s (Jan. 28) $25,000 Tim Wilson Sr. Pace final. The morning line and post time, favorite took the lead soon after the start and never relinquished it.

Trained by Terry Leonard and piloted by Casey Leonard, November Rain settled in behind the early pace of Lacarmeliliana, who cleared from the outside and covered the opening quarter in :29.2. After the field turned onto the backside, November Rain made her move and quickly took command. She passed the half in :58.4 and covered three-quarters in 1:27.3 as second-choice Wimple’s Dimple gave chase. In the lane, Leonard asked November Rain to go and she responded, extending her lead.

November Rain was three lengths clear at the wire, beating her nine rivals easily. C Far, who had won her previous two shots at big prices, raced near the back of the pack early but she started to come on in the stretch. It was, however, too little too late. She did get up for second, three lengths back of the winner. Lacarmeliliana held on for third at 59-1.

November Rain returned $4.60, $2.80, and $2.6. C Far came back $4.40 and $3.40 while Lacarmeliliana returned $12.40 to show.

The winter harness meet at Hawthorne continues through Feb. 19. Thoroughbred racing resumes at the end of March and continues through April. Summer harness action takes place May through September. Fall thoroughbreds close out the year October through December. For more information, visit www.Hawthorneracecourse.com.