Using Lasix for the second time and trotting without the hobbles he sported at two, Premier Hanover unleashed a relentless first-over bid Tuesday at The Meadows to take the fastest division of a $259,132 Pennsylvania Sires Stake for sophomore colts and geldings.
The event, known as the Super Bowl, was contested over four divisions, with Cassis, B Winner K and Kirty Dream taking the other splits. Dave Palone enjoyed a stake double, among his three winning drives on the 15-race card, with Premier Hanover and Kirty Dream.
Premier Hanover introduced his new look in a May 12 overnight race at The Meadows but broke stride early and often.
“A horse crossed over right in front of him, and he just kind of ducked his head,” Palone said. “Chalk it up to greenness. Even today, he was a little bit green at times. But he has Grand Circuit potential, that’s for sure. He has the talent to go with the top ones. If he matures mentally, look out.”
On Tuesday, he moved uncovered from fourth to grind down the leader, Freedom Ridge, and drew off to win in 1:55.3 on a “good” surface, lowering his lifetime mark 2.3 seconds. A shuffled On The Tab rallied in the Lightning Lane for second, 3-3/4 lengths back, while Freedom Ridge saved show.
Ron Burke trains Premier Hanover, a son of SJ’s Caviar-Puffed-up, for Roy Drevs, Brett Wilfong, Lynn Wilfong and Doreen Bloch.
Cassis, who captured the May 4 final of the Wyoming Valley series at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, had little trouble earning his fifth victory in six career starts following a decisive quarter-pole move for Tim Tetrick. He prevailed in 1:55.4, 3 lengths better than MM’s Lucky Boy, with Photo King third.
“He’s pretty talented, and he was very good today,” Tetrick said. “He’s versatile, but he has great gate speed, so it’s hard not to use it so you don’t get in trouble. But he’ll be happy to race out of a hole.”
Ray Schnittker trains the son of Cantab Hall-Dirty Martini and owns with Kelk’s, Arden Homestead Stable and Jerry Silva.
B Winner K scored a front-end victory in a career-best 1:56.3 — but not without his customary late-race drama. In two of his three 2010 starts, he made an unforced break in sight of the finish line. In the Super Bowl, three lengths on top as the wire loomed, he did it again.
"Last week I raced him from behind, and he was perfect,” said winning driver Brett Miller. “He felt so good scoring down, and the only horse leaving was a long shot, so I wanted to take a chance with him on the front.
"He was getting a little tired at the finish, and I was waiting for the break to come. I don’t know why he does it, but I was trying to get a little distance on the field halfway down the stretch. He gives no warning that he’s ready to break, just flips right over.”
After an inquiry, the judges certified his victory and the order of finish, which included Tough Call second and Mr McRail third.
Jim Arledge, Jr. trains B Winner K, a son of SJ’s Caviar-Brenda B Winnin, for owner/breeder Bob Key. (The Meadows)PA
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