by Jeff Renton, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Toronto, January 16, 2004… After displaying a serious closing kick in last week’s leg, it was to no surprise that Tarver Hanover came on through the lane to capture the C$44,400 Count B Series finale Friday night at Woodbine.

WEG photo.

Tarver Hanover (4) captured the Count B Series Final in 1:55.2.

The three-year-old pacing colt, who is owned by Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania’s Country Boys Stable, stopped the clock in 1:55.2. The winning margin was three-quarters of one length. Pro V One was second best and post-time favorite Big League Barry finished one length back in third.

Trained by Darren McCall, Tarver Hanover had made up five lengths in the stretch in his previous journey over the Woodbine oval. After starting from a pair of nine-hole posts for the initial legs of the series, his luck changed for the final, drawing post three.

“I wanted to keep him closer [to the front-end] and hoped that the trip would go his way,” said victorious reinsman Chris Christoforou. “We got a little lucky and it worked out well.”

Christoforou settled the sophomore son of Ball And Chain—Tarport Herald into second as PH Tidal Wave and driver Phil Hudon sliced a :27.3 opening frame. On the move early, Doug Brown aboard Pro V One made the front just after the :56.3 half-mile pole. Big League Barry and pilot Mario Baillargeon made their first-over move through the final turn and into the stretch, leaving Christoforou and Tarver Hanover along the cones behind Pro V One. Christoforou seized the moment and guided his mount three-wide, passing the dueling pair for the win.

“When we sprung loose in the lane he kicked home well,” added Christoforou.

The win (which was his first in three tries this year) was the fifth of Tarver Hanover’s 16-race career.

The victory marked the first ever Count B Series title for both McCall and Christoforou.

An 8-1 shot in the second leg, the Woodbine faithful sent Tarver Hanover off at 4-1 by post time. Returning $11.40 on a winning ticket, Tarver Hanover topped a $55.40 exactor with Pro V One. Big League Barry completed the $200.20 triactor.

NOTE: Earlier in the card, Brett Robinson-trained Lookettepoedunk and driver Mike Saftic captured the C$48,000 Fillies & Mares Open Pace in 1:54.3. In her second start back since a layoff, Armbro Amoretto and driver Luc Ouellette finished 3¼ lengths back in fourth.