Dayton: Ervin Hanover holds off Captain Albano in Pacing Derby

Ervin Hanover and driver Louis Roy returned to Ohio on Saturday night and authored a new track record in capturing the Grade 2 $250,000 Dayton Pacing Derby in 1:47 2/5. A son of Captaintreacherous, Ervin Hanover gamely held off another son of the top stallion with Captain Albano just a head back in second.

Captain Albano and Todd McCarthy left fastest in the field of nine to take quick control as Ervin Hanover settled in third through the opening turn. Roy moved Ervin Hanover shortly before the 26 3/5 opening quarter, clearing the front three-eighths of a mile into the race.

Once in charge, Ervin Hanover hit the half in 53 2/5 with Maximus Miki and Scott Zeron moving to the outside to challenge at that point. Ervin Hanover kicked into high gear, keeping rivals at bay with a wicked 1:20 three-quarters as Maximus Miki struggled to stay in contention.

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In the stretch Captain Albano had the necessary room to angle from the pocket and slowly gained on the winner, but Ervin Hanover had something left, and Roy urged him on as the Dave Menary-trained stallion paced a strong 27 2/5 final quarter to post the fastest mile in the track's history. Captain Albano was second, with Maximus Miki holding third over Captain Luke.

Owned by Pollack Racing LLC., Ervin Hanover was a winner for the eighth time in 14 starts and will likely head to The Red Mile for the Allerage Pace scheduled for October 5.

"I'm so confident in him," said Roy. "He did respond pretty well."

A $75,000 consolation went to Muskateer Hanover (Jeremy Smith) from off cover in 1:48 2/5 for trainer Wayne Oke and owners Mulligan Stables and Calcutta Stable LLC. A 5-year-old by Sweet Lou, Muskateer Hanover prevailed for the 18th time in his career and returned $46.20 to win.