Top Ontario-sired three-year-olds have emerged to battle for the lion's share of $56,200 and the title of Dream Of Glory champion on Saturday (July 31) at Hanover Raceway.
This year’s Dream Of Glory field is arguably the in the history of the event. A deeper look at each finalist follows.
1. Sweet Soul David
The 2020 Balanced Image champion was quite impressive in his Dream Of Glory elimination, pulling the pocket down the backstretch to win well in hand for driver Louis-Philippe Roy. With a very favourable post position, Sweet Soul David will be among the favourites and looks to join Traverse Seelster as the second horse ever to sweep the Hanover Raceway Stakes double.
2. Century Highness
This Royalty for Life filly faced a stacked elimination, squaring off against Publicity Seeker and Highland Mowgli, but was able to capture third place to earn a spot in the $56,200 final. Century Highness will face a tough field in the final, but with an inside post, she could pick up a cheque.
3. Publicity Seeker
Publicity Seeker captured the first of three eliminations by upsetting favourite Highland Mowgli. The Muscle Mass gelding, driven by Doug McNair, pulled the pocket at the top of the stretch and outkicked competitors. Publicity Seeker will likely be put into play early and should be a favourite to take home the Dream Of Glory title.
4. Tipsy In Dixie
Tipsy In Dixie has been very impressive this season, winning four of five starts, including her win in last week’s Dream of Glory elimination. This daughter of Muscle Mass went coast to coast, while posting the fastest of three eliminations in 2:01 (track was off four seconds). She will take on top Ontario Sires Stakes Gold-level colts in the final, but fans certainly expect her to be in the hunt for the title.
5. Muscle Jack
This Blake Macintosh trainee was second in his Dream Of Glory elimination. Driver Jody Jamieson gave the Muscle Mass gelding an aggressive steer, but couldn’t hold off Sweet Soul David. With the right trip, Muscle Jack could be a threat to win.
6. Kilauea
Kilauea had a strong showing in the third and final elimination to pick up a second-place finish behind Tipsy In Dixie. He will have overcome post position 6 and a very strong field of three-year-olds to pick up a cheque in the final.
7. Top Of The Bar
Top Of The Bar had to overcome post position 7 in his elimination and was able to capture a third-place finish with a strong closing kick in the closing stages of the race. The Muscle Mass filly has shown the ability to compete with this group, but will need a good trip. Her trainer, Mark Etsell, was a member of Hanover Raceway's Board of Directors in 2001-02, when the Dream of Glory race was created by the Raceway.
8. Highland Mowgli
Highland Mowgli looked to be the one to beat heading into last week's eliminations, but after a loss to Publicity Seeker, the favourite for the final isn’t so clear. Despite drawing the trailing post position, the Amanda Fine-trained Archangel colt has shown the speed needed to overcome this spot and should be in the hunt for the title.
The $56,200 Dream Of Glory Final takes place on Saturday with post time for the afternoon card set at 1:30 p.m. The final is complemented by the $10,000 Gail Murray Invitational, which hosts a field of top-class pacers. Wagering enhancements for Saturday’s race card includes a $2,000 guaranteed Pick-5 beginning in race 1 and $2,500 Pick-4 starting in race 7. Fans can catch all the action by visiting hanoveraceway.com to register to attend the races or view the HD live stream.
(Hanover Raceway)