by Mark McKelvie, for Woodbine Communications

Milton, ON — A freshened up Dr J Hanover returned to the races Saturday (July 28) to capture the C$34,000 Preferred Pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The 5-year-old Tony Alagna trainee was making his first start since June 9 and got the better of seven-rivals to post a 1:49.4 victory.

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Dr J Hanover wins at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday evening.

Driven by Sylvain Filion, Dr J Hanover paced out to the early lead and posted sensible opening fractions of :27.1 and :56. Easy Lover Hanover, the 3-5 favorite, angled out from fourth nearing the half and made a strong rush towards the lead, hooking up with the early-leader for a far turn battle.

Easy Lover Hanover finally cleared the lead after five-eighths of a mile was completed and posted a huge individual third quarter of :26.1 to reach the third station in 1:22.2. In the stretch, Dr J Hanover showed no signs of being short and came to the outside in the final-eighth to power by Easy Lover Hanover for a 1-1/2 length score. Nirvana Seelster finished third, while Traceur Hanover was fourth.

The one-two finish by ‘Dr J’ and ‘Easy Lover’ gave owner Brad Grant the exacta, as he co-owns the winner and is the sole owner of the runner-up. Robert LeBlanc, Steven Wienick and Irwin Samelman share ownership of Dr J Hanover with Grant.

Dr J Hanover was making his 11th start of the season Saturday. The Alagna trainee now has four wins and C$143,600 earned this season.

Dr J Hanover, a now 17-time winner with over C$650,000 in career earnings, made headlines last season at Woodbine Mohawk Park when he won a division of the Graduate Series in 1:46.4, the fastest mile in Canadian harness racing history.

A $2 win ticket on Dr J Hanover returned $14.

Live racing resumes Monday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The opening leg of the Dream Maker Series for 2-year-old pacers highlights an 11-race card. Post time is 7:30 p.m.