Hyperion Hanover, the only sub-1:50 performer in the Winners Over feature at Pompano Park on Saturday night and the winner of more purse money than all of the other starters combined, was sent off as the longest toteboard proposition in the event and proved to be an upset winner in 1:51.3.
Strategically handled by Andy Santeramo, the 10-year-old gelded son of Camluck, darted out of the gate from his outside six post, nestled in behind Kommander Hawk (Stephane Lareau) as that one carved up panels of :26.2, :55 and 1:23, left his cozy pocket turning for home and held off the late surging McGreat (Kevin Wallis) to score by a half-length.
Avantage finished third, four lengths away, while Kommander Hawk held on for fourth with Freeneasy Hanover picking up the last “nickel” in the field of six.
“I thought I had a decent chance going in and decided to go for the gusto early in hopes of finding a nice spot close up," said Santeramo in a post race interview. "After all, in an evenly matched field like this, it’s tough to make up a full second on these in a final quarter that might be :27 and a piece. The other factor was that Jimmy Mac [trainer Jim MacDonald] had him very sharp."
Owned by the S S G Stables of North Boston, New York, Hyperion Hanover won for the 43rd time in his brilliant career of 236 starts to push his lifetime bounty to $1,211,376.
(With files from Pompano Park)