Three weeks after a disappointing seventh-place finish to Coach Stefanos in the Breeders Crown Open Pace, Abuckabett Hanover pounced from the pocket to collar Ruthless Hanover for a 1:47.4 victory in the $176,056 Potomac Pace Invitational on Sunday, Nov. 17 at Rosecroft Raceway.
Dexter Dunn pushed Abuckabett Hanover forward up the inside to secure the pocket behind Ruthless Hanover (George Napolitano Jr.), who vaulted from the extreme outside to control splits of :25.4 and :54.1. Up the backstretch, Voukefalas (Jordan Stratton) began a gradual first-over ascent and briefly overtook Charlie May (Dan Noble) before challenging Abuckabett Hanover for second past three-quarters in 1:20.3.
Off the home turn, Ruthless Hanover tried to sprint clear of his six rivals, but as Voukefalas faded in the breeze, Dunn had room to angle Abuckabett Hanover off the pegs and take aim at the pacesetter. The six-year-old Betting Line-All Tucked Up entire responded in kind and chased down an all-out Ruthless Hanover to win by three-quarters of a length. Charlie May was a ground-saving third.
"It was a perfect trip for him; he got off the gate pretty good and followed the right horse," said Dunn. "Coming off the last turn, I got him on the bit before I pulled him, and he sprinted home good. He had to fight for the win. He's been racing great all year."
Bythemissal, who was sent off the 4-5 favourite, was eased with a lap to go after bleeding early in the race.
Trainer Andrew Harris co-owns Abuckabett Hanover, who now has won 21 races and earned $2,229,764 in his career, with William Pollock and Bruce Areman.
As the 7-2 second choice, Abuckabett Hanover paid $9.60 to win.
(Rosecroft Raceway)