Late-charging Dontpokethedragon raised the pressure on tempo-setter Tiempo Hanover, but the seven-year-old Western Ideal gelding passed the beam just in time to take the $8,100 Open Pace at Century Downs on Tuesday (July 20).
Trainer-driver Brandon Campbell took command with Tiempo Hanover, pocketing even-money favourite Icy Blue Scooter to a :27.2 first quarter. Armycaptin Hanover angled first over passing the stands first time and carried Dontpokethedragon into contention through a :56.3 half and towards three-quarters in 1:24. Tiempo Hanover maintained control around the final turn as Dontpokethedragon sprung off cover and rallied in the straightaway. But Tiempo Hanover had enough left in the tank to keep a nose in front at the end of a 1:53 mile. Icy Blue Scooter finished third.