For veteran trainer John Bax, winning stakes races is a common occurrence. On Saturday night, he has a chance to do what only one other trainer has done, and that is capture is third Dream of Glory trophy.
Bax will send out two fillies in Saturday night’s final, including elimination winner Her Name Is Lola. The three-year old daughter of Majestic Son popped up as a winner last week after failing to pick up a cheque in five straight starts. Bax says his faith in the filly stayed strong, and he believes the best is yet to come.
“She’s always shown a fair bit of talent," said Bax. "I’m still hopeful she’s going to improve as she gets older. I like her attitude. Sometimes she gets a little too racy, but as far as the way she’s developed, I’d have to say she’s still getting better.”
After winning her elimination by chasing down the pacesetting Eat Pray Trot, Bax says some of the doubts the connections had about the filly have been erased. “Our concern was how she’d handle the turns,” noted Bax. “She did that really well. Historically, I’ve always had high praise for Hanover’s track surface. It’s always good for horses that are sore-footed and that filly doesn’t have the best feet. I’m hoping for good weather. I’m more worried about the post position than anything else.”
Bax’s hopes for a third Dream of Glory win rest with the performances of two fillies that will have to start from the outside of the racetrack Saturday night, but he’s not counting out the possibility of either of his pupils beating the boys.
“They’re certainly competitive. In other years it’s been a little tougher as far as quality. I wouldn’t count them out. The post position is a bigger deal than the competition.”
Bax will also be on hand Dream of Glory Night to watch his former trainee, Summer Indian, compete in the $15,000 Champions Match Race, and hopes for good weather so that people can come and see what harness racing means in the community.
“I’ve been coming there for a long time, making an experience out of going to Hanover,” said Bax. “It’s partly the venue, the people. It’s racing because they love it, not simply for the money. It’s a great place to not only win a race, but just to race in general. Every time you do a big event like this, it’s a chance to make things better. I hope politicians will see this so they can see how important racing is.”
All the action for Saturday night’s Dream of Glory card will get underway with a first-race post time of 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with the race-night buffet, a rooftop BBQ and beer garden, and live music.
(Hanover Raceway)