A change of tactics for Lean Hanover (Jim Marohn Jr., $15.20) served him well, as he captured Yonkers Raceway’s $40,000 Open Handicap Trot on Saturday night (Jan. 11).

Usually an off-the-pace competitor, Lean Hanover—from assigned-post 4—made the first lead in the first adult-table trot of the season. He then deferred to second-choice Swansea. The latter posted intervals of :27.4, 57.3 and 1:26.3 with minimal first-up grief from just-over-even-money favourite Will Take Charge.

Swansea owned a length-and-a-half lead into the lane but was unable to down the pocket sitter. Lean Hanover edged out and by, the margin a head in 1:55.1. Hill Of A Horse rallied for third, with Trotting Grace and Obrigado settling for the minors. Will Take Charge backpedaled to last among the half-dozen.

For third-choice Lean Hanover, a now-seven-year-old Donato Hanover gelding co-owned by Wellwood Enterprises & Karen Carroll, it was a successful seasonal debut for an 18th career victory. The exacta paid $34.20, the triple returned $406 and the superfecta paid $723.

(Yonkers Raceway)