by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — John Williamson’s Urbanite Hanover will look to continue his winning ways in the lone C$20,000 division of The Diplomat Series on Thursday (May 2) at Woodbine.

The 3-year-old son of Western Ideal is fresh off a comfortable 1:53.1 winning effort to kick off his sophomore campaign last week. It was the first career score for the youngster who has $63,900 in the bank.

New Image Media photo

Urbanite Hanover has banked $63,900 in his career.

“That was a good mile for him,” Williamson said. “He grew up quite a bit this season and filled out nicely. He’s come back really strong this season and I’m very happy with him.”

Last season, Urbanite Hanover competed in major stakes events such as the Breeders Crown, Metro Pace, Champlain, Bluegrass Stakes and Nassagaweya.

After spending the winter months at Spring Garden Ranch in Florida, Urbanite Hanover will be pointed towards the 30th edition of the C$1 million North America Cup on June 15 at Mohawk.

“I am high on him and he’s the best horse I’ve ever sat behind,” Williamson said. “But again, I’m sure many other trainers are high on their 3-year-old colts. It’s going to be a tough year in my opinion, but I’m really happy with my guy. That was a nice first start back with him and this week will tell the tale a little better as he faces some tougher horses in The Diplomat.”

Williamson, a resident of Waterdown, said there is a lot to like about his North America Cup hopeful.

“He makes speed so easily,” he said. “He covers the ground so well and he’s very easy on himself. He’s an easy horse to drive. He can sit in a hole or race on the front and he’s a good sized animal. There’s nothing not to like.”

Not bad for an $11,000 yearling purchase.

“He’s a gorgeous individual, but he had on OCD (Osteochondrosis Dessicans), which needed to be removed and that likely scared a few people away. Hanover Shoe Farms removed the OCD and we carried on with him. They’re a first class operation with a terrific reputation.”

It was only a matter of days before Williamson realized he had a special colt in his barn.

“About 10 days after he was in the barn I knew he had something,” he said. “As soon as he was broke, in the cart and knew what he had to do, he was all business.”

Urbanite Hanover will begin from post six in race 10 for driver James MacDonald.

The field will line up as follows: 1. Classic Gent, 2. Orillia Joe, 3. Varadero Hanover, 4. Rockin Wizard, 5. Slight Touch, 6. Urbanite Hanover, and 7. Scott Rocks.

The Diplomat is for sophomore pacing colts and geldings who were non-winners of C$100,000 in 2012.

Also on Thursday’s program, the C$20,000 division of the second leg of the Princess Series will take place in race three.

The field will begin as follows: 1. Belle Boyd, 2. Marquise De Sarah, 3. Super Soph, 4. Hilarious Hayley, 5. Wildcat Hanna, 6. Burning Beaches, 7. Notalkingback, 8. Ok Feisty and 9. Beach Of A Time.