Todd J H Hanover collects Summertime final in record time

Todd J H Hanover turned in a stakes record performance in scoring an upset victory in Saturday night’s $58,100 final of the Summertime Pacing Series for three-year-old colts and geldings at Mohawk Racetrack. Randy Waples engineered the 1:50.3 victory which lowered the former mark of 1:51.1 held jointly by Swingin Away and Dr No.

Racing as part of a two-horse entry for trainer Tim Pinske, the son of Allamerican Native - Tyber Flight showed rare gate speed and blasted straight to the front from post seven and put up the first fraction in :27.1.

As the field straightened up towards the half, the pocket-sitting Immachulate tipped out and took over command with second-round winner Little Thief sitting third and race favourite Windsun Thunder back in fourth.

The new leader raced uncontested through a strong :55.3 half and continued on top into the far turn with Little Thief making the first move out from third. That one, however, was able to make no headway on the leader as he depressed the accelerator in the third quarter and put up the next fraction in 1:22.3.

By the time the field hit head stretch, Little Thief had gone back to the inside from third after a stalled bid and that was Waples’ cue to bring Todd J H Hanover to the outside. The slick-gaited pacer was able to easily haul down the pacesetter and then cruised to the finish unchallenged. Immachulate did hold gamely for the place spot with Little Thief salvaging the show position.

“Tonight, he just had his nose on the gate and basically pushed it out of there,” explained Waples in the change of tactics. “He closed a ton last week but we kind of got pushed all over the track and he had too much to overcome. I thought if I could get him away close this week, he would make a good account of himself. He takes care of himself and I think he’ll continue to improve.”

The win was the second this season in four tries for Todd J H Hanover who is owned by the Pinske Stables of Minnesota and James Simpson of Pennsylvania. The winner’s share of the purse increased his career bankroll to just over $97,000. (Mohawk)

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