HANOVER, ON — Walkerton natives Gregg McNair and Randy Fritz returned to Hanover Raceway on Wednesday night to race five sophomore trotting colts, and the pair went home with two Grassroots trophies, two thirds and one fourth-place prize cheque.

The pair opened up their successful evening in the first race, with Fritz guiding McNair trainee Blaze Of Sonshine to an impressive one and a half length victory over fan favourite Mister Machine and Heres Bernie. The pair hit the wire in 1:59.3, shaving two seconds off the gelding’s personal best.

McNair, who makes his home in Guelph, bred Blaze Of Sonshine and shares ownership on the Son Of Grace gelding with his mother Gwendolyn McNair of Walkerton. Through two Grassroots appearances, Blaze Of Sonshine has a perfect record of two victories and 100 points in the race toward a coveted post season berth.

Fritz and McNair made their second appearance in the winner’s circle after Race 6 with Free To Dance, who circled the Hanover half-mile on the front end in 2:02.2. Fans wisely sent the Eager Seelster gelding off as their top choice and Free To Dance sailed under the wire two lengths ahead of Al The Pal and Heir To The Throne.

Lynn Bowen of London owns the homebred Free To Dance, who improved his record to one win, two seconds and one third in five sophomore starts. Third in the Grassroots season opener, Free To Dance now sports a total of 62 points.

Grogan maintained his perfect record with a 1:59.1 win in the third Grassroots division. With trainer Lorne House in the race bike, the Angus Hall son cruised from Post 1 to the finish without facing a challenge. Lemon Drop and The Midas Man, who was piloted by Fritz for McNair, rounded out the top three.

Grand Bend resident Emerson Gill bred Grogan and shares ownership on the colt with Graeme Harvey of Ingersoll. Through 10 starts this season the colt has amassed four wins and two seconds, and has not finished worse than second since May 10.

Owen Sound resident Paul Walker guided Catch My Korvette to a popular victory in the fourth Grassroots division. The Korvette Hanover son, owned by breeder James MacLeod of Seaforth, circled around from mid-field to rein in former Grassroots winner Rosslyn Hall and Fritz and McNair’s third entry, Kens On Lavec.

The 2:00.4 win was Catch My Korvette’s first of the season and boosts his Grassroots point tally to 62.

The other Grassroots winners at Hanover Raceway on Wednesday were Odee Amigo in 2:03; No Gus No Glory in 2:02.1; Keystone Empire in 1:59.3; Super Star K in 2:01.4; and Stonebridge Spirit in 2:01.1.

The three-year-old trotting colts make their third Grassroots start of the season on Aug. 11 at Hiawatha Horse Park, while Grassroots excitement swings back into Hanover on Saturday, July 21 with the first provincial appearance of the two-year-old pacing fillies.

For complete results please go to:

http://www.standardbredcanada.ca/results/data/rhnvrwe.html