Hana Hanover upsets in Mistletoe Shalee

Hana Hanover equaled the stakes and track record en route to an upset victory in the $320,000 Mistletoe Shalee final Saturday afternoon at the Meadowlands. Piloted by George Brennan, the Western Hanover filly stopped the clock in a lifetime best 1:49.3, defeating heavy favorite Southwind Tempo.

Starting from post two, Brennan moved the second choice to the early lead, setting a :26 opening quarter. Southwind Tempo raced fifth early, but Tim Tetrick soon had the daughter of Bettor’s Delight out and advancing to the lead. Once on the point, Tetrick was able to post fractions of :54.3 and 1:22.1 before carrying the field into the stretch.

Brennan pulled Hana Hanover from the pocket in the lane and brushed past Southwind Tempo to score the upset victory, which stopped a 10-race winning streak for the 2-5 favorite. Tidewaterdragonfly closed late to finish third.

Hana Hanover is owned by David Reid, David McDonald, Stan Klemencic and Malcolm Man Son Hing, all of Ontario, and trained by Mark Steacy. The victory was the fifth in six seasonal starts for the sophomore, and the ninth win of her career, coming in 12 starts. The record mile equaled Armbro Dancer’s clocking in last year’s Mistletoe Shalee final, which was also equaled by Southwind Tempo in an elimination race for this year’s final.

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