Donato Hanover leads star-studded qualifiers Friday

Trainer Steve Elliott has entered Donato Hanover in a qualifier at Gaitway Farms in New Jersey on Friday as he prepares the 3-year-old colt trotter for the upcoming Breeders Crown at the Meadowlands. A perfect 11-for-11 this year, the Hambletonian and World Trotting Derby-winning Donato Hanover has not started since capturing the Kentucky Futurity Oct. 6 at The Red Mile.

Elliott won’t have to wait long for Donato Hanover’s effort on Friday as he drew post one in the first of the 15 races. Ron Pierce will once again drive the son of Andover Hall.

Elliott has also entered 3-year-old filly pacer Southwind Tempo in the qualifiers, with the daughter of Bettor’s Delight having been out of action since her 1-3 finish in the Jugette Sept. 19 in Delaware, Ohio. Tim Tetrick will drive Southwind Tempo from post three in the third qualifier.

Messenger Stakes winner Always A Virgin has also been entered by trainer Joe Holloway, with the sophomore son of Western Ideal drawing post four in the second race with driver Brian Sears.

One interesting qualifying starter is the 2006 Little Brown Jug starter Mr. Feelgood, who has not started this entire year. The son of Grinfromeartoear won eight of 23 starts last year for trainer Jimmy Takter, who has named Marcus Johansson to drive. Mr. Feelgood drew post seven in the eighth race.

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