With a backside brush to the front Ellis Park put away race-favourite Easy Lover Hanover and held on as he rallied late in the stretch, taking the $34,000 Preferred Pace on Saturday, June 30 at Woodbine Mohawk Park in 1:49.4.
Driver James MacDonald sat third at the quarter with Ellis Park while Easy Lover Hanover posted a :27.1 opener on the lead. MacDonald sent the Tony O’Sullivan trainee towards the top heading past the half, timed in :55, and battled for the lead from Jins Shark, racing first over after Ellis Park took control, by three-quarters in 1:22.3.
Ellis Park turned away Jins Shark into the stretch but Easy Lover Hanover vacated the pocket in pursuit of the leader. Ellis Park withstood the late pressure to win by a half length with American Virgin, from second over, closing for third.
A nine-year-old gelding by Rocknroll Hanover out of the Cambest mare Roller Cam, Ellis Park, owned by David Goodrow Stable, won his second race in eight starts this season and his 31st in 123 overall, collecting $745,160 in earnings. He paid $5.40 to win.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.