Lights Go Out sprinted by millionairess Voelz Hanover for her first victory in the $30,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred class at Mohawk Racetrack on July 18, but Voelz Hanover was ready for the late-closer in their Friday, August 1 rematch.
Leaving outside of her six rivals in this week's Preferred, Voelz Hanover cleared to command into the first turn and sped by the opening quarter mark in :26.4. Driver Randy Waples worked in a second quarter breather for the nine-year-old Astreos mare and reached the half in :56.2 while Mach A Wish (Rick Zeron) began to advance first over from fifth with 9-5 favourite Lights Go Out (Phil Hudon) following her cover. Mach A Wish went head-to-head with Voelz Hanover as they raced by three-quarters in 1:24.1, but Voelz Hanover drew clear into the stretch. However, she was faced with another challenge as Lights Go Out was launched off cover with her customary late-closing kick. Lights Go Out looked to have the momentum to go right by, but Voelz Hanover dug in to score her 42nd career win in 1:51.4.
Sent postward as the 5-2 second choice, Voelz Hanover paid $7.20 to win. Lights Go Out came up a neck short while American In Paris (Chris Christoforou) edged out Ferrari Sena (Jonathan Drury) for third one length behind. Mach A Wish finished fifth.
The Corey Johnson trainee has won four Preferred races this year for owner Richard Berthiaume of Pointe-Aux-Trembles, Que. Meanwhile, Waples completed a driving grand slam on the night with the victory.
To view Friday's harness racing result, click on the following link: Friday Results - Mohawk Racetrack.