After in season in which she produced a pair of world record miles and won high-end stakes, including the Breeders Crown, Emoticon Hanover could be even better in 2018, according to her trainer, Luc Blais.
Blais’ comments came during a recent interview for a piece in the Hamilton Spectator, which focused on the formidable daughter of Ontario sire Kadabra.
The mare raced to five wins from 13 starts in 2017. Emoticon Hanover also recorded four second-place efforts and a trio of thirds during the calendar year. The bay missed the board just once and banked over $446,000 in purses during her four-year-old season, which is always a tough jump (having to compete against aged horses after having raced against foes her own age).
"I had a good feeling about her as a yearling, then a good one last winter and now again,” said Blais, who trains Emoticon Hanover for the Determination stable of Montreal. “She finished healthy and in good form, which makes me think she could have an even better year in 2018.”
Blais also said that he hasn’t really thought of a trip overseas with Emoticon Hanover for this coming spring, but that he would consider the idea if he were extended an invitation.
"We have not given it a lot of thought, but certainly would if we got a call,” he said. “The plan now is to continue her break until mid-January and then start back.
“It is great to have one like this in the barn because she pays the bills for those that are not consistent or the quality that she is.”
(With files from the Hamilton Spectator)