The finalists for the Pepsi North America Cup's counterpart, the $420,000 Fan Hanover, now have their spots determined following two $35,000 eliminations on Saturday night (June 10) at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Twin B Joe Fresh took the first $35,000 Fan Hanover elim in wire-to-wire fashion for co-owner Dexter Dunn. The Roll With Joe daughter put up fractions of :27.2, :55.1, 1:21.4 and held on to win in 1:49.
Cultured closed well to take second with Zanatta, Lyons Bettorday and One Last Wish also qualifying for next week’s final.
“She had a great two-year-old year [winning $598,000], all the credit goes to Chris. She’s been fun so far,” said Dunn, who co-owns Twin B Joe Fresh with trainer Chris Ryder, Peter Trebotica and Barry Spak.
In the second elimination, Beach Cowgirl was at the opening quarter in :26.3. Up to challenge before the :56 half was Sylvia Hanover, who was at the leader’s halter by the 1:22.3 third quarter. Sylvia Hanover drew clear down the lane for Bob McClure to win in 1:49.2, a new life best.
Beach Cowgirl, Charleston, Ucandoit Blue Chip and Vivians Dream also advanced for a spot in next week’s final.
A daughter of Always B Miki trained by Shawn Steacy for Hudons Standardbreds Inc., Sylvia Hanover (pictured above) is now two-for-two this year following a 8-1-0 debut season from nine starts.
“She was towing me, she wanted to get at it pretty good, I was trying to rate her. She’s been off a little while I figured she’d be short but she's straight to the wire, strong. Every time you think she’s going to have an off night, she comes through with a bigger night. I count my blessings every week I get to hold the lines on her,” said McClure, who noted the filly is far better with a target.
“I was holding my breath, she saw a lot of air, for any horse to keep going forward the way she did that’s very impressive,” added Steacy. “She’s an incredible horse.”
The draw for the $420,000 Fan Hanover final, which goes postward on the undercard of the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup next Saturday, June 17, is listed below.
$420,000 Fan Hanover
Post - Horse
1. Lyons Bettorday
2. Ucandoit Blue Chip
3. Twin B Joe Fresh
4. Zanatta
5. Sylvia Hanover
6. Charleston
7. One Last Wish
8. Beach Cowgirl
9. Cultured
10. Vivians Dream
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.
(with files from Woodbine)