With a strong stretch kick, Hannelore Hanover fulfilled her public support by confidently capturing the $526,250 Breeders Crown Open Trot to kick off the Saturday night finals at Hoosier Park.

Driver Yannick Gingras asked Hannelore Hanover for early speed from Post 4 and the star trotting mare was able to land on top of the field ahead of stablemate Crazy Wow (David Miller) in :26.3. Marion Marauder (Scott Zeron) was intent on controlling the pace and seized control before the :55.3 half. Resolve (Ake Svanstedt) pulled from fourth and started a first-over bid, keeping Hannelore Hanover pinned in the pocket through a 1:25 third panel.

Down the stretch, Marion Marauder started to pull away from the field as Resolve started to back away. That gap provided the room Gingras needed to angle Hannelore Hanover for the stretch drive and the mare pulled away with long and powerful strides to hit the wire in 1:52.1. Crazy Wow angled through for second with Marion Marauder staying for third.

A five-year-old daughter of Swan For All - High Sobriety, Hannelore Hanover is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Frank Baldachino and J And T Silva Stables LLC. The win was the 35th of her career and boosted her bankroll to more than $2.55 million. In 16 seasonal starts she sports a summary of 9-5-0. Is that enough for Horse of the Year honours?

"I know Ariana G has had a tremendous year and Jimmy's other filly has had a tremendous year. I just don't think they've taken on the boys the way we have," said co-owner Baldachino after the win. "And you know what? They're two- and three-year-olds, they shouldn't have to. It's going to be tough, it's going to go down to the wire and what the voters decide, they decide."

The other Breeders Crown recaps from Saturday's card at Hoosier Park can be found in the 2017 Breeders Crown News Centre.