Milieu Hanover made her second start in Massachusetts pay big dividends after she rallied late to capture the $25,000 fillies and mares Winners-Over pacing feature Tuesday afternoon (May 30) at Plainridge Park.
Milieu Hanover took the lead off the gate but submitted to La Bella Vita N just before the :26 quarter. Positions remained unchanged in the abbreviated five-horse field until just past the half when Dandys Evrlasting pulled first-over with Probert on her tail. The entire field was within 3-1/2 lengths of each other as they headed up the backstretch and into the last turn, where Probert went three-deep to match strides with the leaders. At the top of the stretch, La Bella VIta N, Dandys Evrlasting and Probert were across the track and pulled away from the field, leaving the pocket-sitting Milieu Hanover in their wake by two lengths. But Ranger managed to roust Milieu Hanover and she dug in by the pylons to make up the difference and then pulled ahead by a quarter-length to win in 1:51.4 and register a new seasonal mark.
Milieu Hanover is owned by Devita Racing Stable, David Hamm and Christopher Giaccio, and is trained by Nicholas Devita. Bruce Ranger drove the $6.60 winner.
The co-featured $20,000 event for female pacers went to At The Hop, who left from post five and led at every station in progress to a half-length victory over Quebecoise in 1:52.2, which was a lifetime mark for the winner. At The Hop is owned by 1812 Racing and is trained by Jimmy Nickerson. Matty Athearn drove the $4.80 winner.
Drivers scoring doubles on Tuesday included Bruce Ranger, Matty Athearn and Brett Beckwith while 11 different trainers each won one of the day’s events.
Live harness racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Tuesday at 4 p.m. (EDT) and there will be a $1,379 carryover in the Jackpot Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in Race 6.
(Plainridge Park)