Meirs Hanover fastest in series split at The Meadows

Meirs Hanover engaged the 8-5 favorite Show Topper down the backside, then wore him down in the stretch to score in 1:53.4, fastest division of the Watson Provost Memorial Series for freshman colt and gelding pacers Tuesday at The Meadows.

 

LKap Hanover and Tidewater Teddy, each a two-time winner in the Provost, also captured $12,000 splits in the series' second leg, setting up a contentious $20,000-added final next week.

 

Dave Palone asked Meirs Hanover for speed for early position before calling on him again to pursue Show Topper, the Michigan Sire Stakes divisional champion, with an uncovered bid. In only his fourth career start, the son of Artsplace-Mary Mattgalane responded willingly but erratically, giving ground around the far turn before powering past in the lane.

 

Meirs Hanover downed Show Topper by a length, with Bonners Creek third. Brian Brown trains Meirs Hanover, who shaved 2.4 seconds from his lifetime mark, for David Van Dusen, Michael Cimaglio and Strollin Stable.

 

In the $27,500 Preferred Handicap Pace, Lookout Hanover vaulted past the leaders with a strong first-over move and drew off to victory in 1:50.1, 2 1/4 lengths better than 4-5 favorite Atochia. Early leader Bettor Design crossed the wire fourth but was promoted to third following the break before the wire by third-place finisher War Boots. The time was a tick off Edison Hanover's track record for 4-year-old pacing stallions.

 

Eric Ledford piloted the son of The Panderosa-Ladyking, who now has career earnings of $366,434, for trainer Kevin McDermott and owner Fran Azur.

 

Ledford and Dick Stillings each drove four winners on the 16-race card. (The Meadows)