Pierce Hanover delivered a big last quarter kick to take an action packed first leg of the Dream Maker Pacing Series Monday night at Mohawk Racetrack.
A field of nine battled in the $12,000 first leg of the Dream Maker for freshmen pacers.
Pierce Hanover, a son of Cams Card Shark-Panned Out, and driver Paul MacDonell got away in fifth around the first turn with long shot Late Night hanging up a first-quarter of :27.4. On the way to the half, Amora Beach was sent after the lead from third, but was stretched out by Late Night. The public's choice, Some Power, followed Amora Beach and was forced to go three-wide for a few strides before clearing to the front at the half in :55.4. Around the final turn, Some Power turned in a :27.1 third-quarter (1:23) with Amora Beach following right in behind, while the rest of the field sat several lengths off from the top two.
In the stretch, Amora Beach overtook Some Power for the lead, but Pierce Hanover and The Wayfaring Man, who were both more than ten lengths off the lead at the three-quarter pole, made up ground with every stride. Pierce Hanover took the lead in the final steps to win by three-quarters of length in 1:52.1, the nation's fastest mile by a two-year-old this season. Amora Beach held on to share the place spot with The Wayfaring Man in a dead heat, while Some Power finished fourth.
Pierce Hanover turned in a last quarter of :27.3, while The Wayfaring Man, in his debut start, posted a final-panel of :27.2.
The leg one victory was the second win in a row for Pierce Hanover and his second win in three starts. Ken Sucee trains and co-owns the $38,000 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale purchase with Ralph Sucee. Pierce Hanover paid $9.80 to win.
The second leg of the Dream Maker Pacing Series goes next Monday (July 28) at Mohawk.
(WEG)
To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Mohawk Racetrack.