Carrera Hanover captured Thursday’s (March 21) $24,324 final of the Dale McConnell Memorial Trot, completing a sweep of the series for three- and four-year-old horses, colts and geldings at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows. In Thursday’s co-feature, Bet On Brenna took the $24,324 final of the Mary Wohlmuth Memorial Trot for three- and four-year-old fillies and mares.
Carrera Hanover had won from posts seven and eight in the preliminary series legs, so when he drew post four for the championship, he figured to be the heavy favourite — which he was, at 1-9. Once the three-year-old Bar Hopping-Cankeysto gelding quarter-poled to the point for Ridge Warren, there was no doubt who was the best, as he scored in a career-best 1:56.4. Blockchain, a 40-1 longshot, finished second in the Lightning Lane, beaten 1-1/4 lengths, while the first-over Bird In Hand was third.
J.L. Adams trains Carrera Hanover for Martin Valentic and McKenna Adams.
Bet On Brenna was similarly dominant in her victory. She moved first over from third, gobbled up the leader, Daylights Daughter, and rolled home for Dave Palone in 1:57. Pull The Shoes was second, 2-1/2 lengths back, with Standin Over third.
Michael Burke trains the four-year-old daughter of Swan For All-Isabella Hanover for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Jim Zito.
Aaron Merriman piloted four winners and Palone three on the 13-race card.
Live harness racing at The Meadows continues on Friday, March 22 when the 13-race program features a $1,567.85 carryover in the Lucky7 (race three). First post is 12:45 p.m.
(Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)