A battle royale between Stanford Court and Elver Hanover erupted in the $60,000 fourth leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes (OHSS) for three-year-old pacing colts on Saturday night (Aug. 22) at Northfield Park.
In a photo finish, Elver Hanover—the 5-2 choice—bested 1-5 favourite Stanford Court by a whisker at the wire in a seasonal mark of 1:49.4.
Trained by Ronnie Burke for Burke Racing, B. Jablonsky, J. Milillo and J&T Silva-Purnel&Libby, Elver Hanover had also captured OHSS Leg Two in 1:51. The gelded son of Yankee Cruiser now has $455,200 in his career coffers from 11 wins in 15 starts. He recorded a top mark of 1:48.3 last season as a two-year-old at The Red Mile.
Can B Perfect was third at 13-1 for driver Tyler Smith, with 30-1 Worthabuck fourth and 70-1 Rock Smart fifth.
The top nine point earners from each of the two- and three-year-old divisions are now eligible to compete in the $300,000 Championships on Super Night Saturday, Sept. 5 at Scioto Downs.
(Ohio Sires Stakes)