Barham Hanover used a quarter-pole move to get the lead, but was all-out late to hold it last night at the Meadows. The young trotting lass captured the fastest division of the Arden Downs Stakes for juveniles.
The event, known as the Judge Joe McGraw, was contested over five divisions, with Cavinetta, Ally Gal Ridge, Miss Ridge and Auvergne taking the other splits. Dave Palone enjoyed a driving double in the stakes event (aboard Cavinetta and Auvergne), which is part of Grand Circuit Week at the Meadows. The highlight of the week is Saturday’s $677,665 Delvin Miller Adios.
Fresh from an off-the-trot win in a Pennsylvania Sires Stakes event, Barham Hanover grabbed the lead sooner Monday for Mike Wilder, pocketing early leader Ruffles. Ruffles, however, had trot in the 'Lightning Lane,' forcing Barham Hanover to come home in 29 seconds en-route to a 1:58.2 victory. Ruffles was a neck back, with Greathallofchina third.
“She’s been nice from the beginning,” said Dan Altmeyer, who trains the daughter of Cantab Hall--Bar Queen and owns with Heather Wilder, Richard Kelson and Jack Piatt II. “I like a lot about her. She’s a big filly, and her family is strong. When I bought her for $15,000, I really couldn’t believe it.”
Cavinetta trotted patiently at the pylons until the stretch, where she blew by Rosey Chick and scored in 1:59, three and one-quarter lengths better than Agenda Tom Ridge. Rosey Chick saved show.
“Dave did a good job with her, kept her relaxed,” said trainer Gary Cameron II. “He said she did everything right. She’s doing right now what I expected of her. How much better she’ll get, I don’t know, but we’ll see.”
Windswept Stable bred and owns the daughter of SJs Caviar--Staminetta.
Ally-Gal Ridge, who broke stride in her only previous start, was much sharper in the Judge Joe McGraw for that experience. She sustained an uncovered bid that carried her past 7-10 favorite Play Broadway and onto a convincing 10-1/2-length victory in 1:59.1. Play Broadway maintained second while Whisk Hanover was a distant third.
“She’s a very talented filly, but she had some issues,” said Sam Beegle, who trains the daughter of Tom Ridge--Armbro Waikiki for Fulton Nine Partners. “She had a lot of OCDs as a yearling, and it was touch and go whether she would get to the races. She’s eligible to all the stakes down the road.”
Palone and Wilder each drove three winners on the 15-race card.
(With files from the Meadows)