As the calendar approaches the end of May, North American harness racing has its first two-year-old winner of 2021.
That distinction belongs to Toto Hanover, who scampered to a 10-3/4-length, 1:55.2 win in a qualifying race Tuesday morning (May 25) at The Meadows. The A Rocknroll Dance gelding rebuffed an early challenge from three-year-old Whatca on the first turn, parried a mid-race bid from In Clover L nearing the half in :59.2, and then strode clear steadily through the final three-eighths of the mile, capping his mile with sectionals of :27.3 and :28.2.
David Brickell drove Toto Hanover, whom owner-trainer Mitchell York purchased for a modest $10,000 at last November's Standardbred Horse Sales Company yearling sale in Timonium, Md.
By virtue of his 1:55.2 mile, Toto Hanover became the fastest offspring to date of multiple Ontario Sires Stakes winner and 2009 Battle of the Belles elim winner Tiz To Dream.