Dan Patch Award-winning pacer Allywag Hanover made his first appearance of the season during Tuesday morning's (May 17) qualifying session at Harrah's Philadelphia, winning in 1:53 flat over top female pacer Lyons Sentinel.
Trained by Brett Pelling and driven by Todd McCarthy, Allywag Hanover crossed over from the outside to take command of his five foes and cruised through opening fractions of :29 and :57.4 before pacing back-to-back :27.3 panels. Double millionairess Lyons Sentinel, making her second qualifying start of her 2022 campaign for driver Andrew McCarthy and trainer Jim King Jr., followed in the pocket spot and closed inside down the stretch within three-quarters of a length. Master Miki finished 10 lengths back in third.
A five-year-old son of Captaintreacherous out of Anderosa Hanover, Allywag Hanover won 10 of his 19 starts during a million-dollar campaign last year for Allywag Stable. His highlights included winning the Canadian Pacing Derby, TVG Series Open and W.R. Haughton in addition to world record performances in the Allerage Open (1:46.4) and Always B Miki Invitational (1:47.2).
The Pelling-trained sophomore pacing gelding Hammering Hank finished up in second in his first qualifier of the season with Dexter Dunn aboard after trailing early and suffering interference when the pocket-sitter broke stride in the final turn. Hunt For Cash led all the way through fractions of :27.3, :56.4 and 1:25.1 to a five-length victory in 1:55 for the husband and wife, driving and training team of Andy and Julie Miller. Fox Valley Miki was third.