Grand River: Scarlett Hanover superb in Battle of the Belles final

Scarlett Hanover had about as picture-perfect a trip from a trailing post as a horse can get and easily won the C$128,149 Battle of the Belles for Ontario-sired 2-year-old pacing fillies on Monday afternoon at Grand River Raceway in 1:54 3/5.

Starting from post nine, Scarlett Hanover and driver Ed Hensley got to follow Ring Of Kerry (Sylvain Filion) from the inside draw, and when Ring Of Kerry showed the most early foot off the gate and made front, Scarlett Hanover was able to come through right behind her into the pocket. Ring Of Kerry would reach the opening quarter in 27 4/5 and the half in 57 seconds, with Andra Day (Doug McNair) already out and moving first-up after tucking in fourth from post eight. Andra Day made good headway and got into second in the backstretch, but then she stalled out and began to fade prior to the 1:25 4/5 three-quarters. While she was starting to go backwards, Cyclone Sister (Bob McClure) was making a huge three-wide move from fourth-over and was circling into contention.

On the last turn Hensley was able to get out two-wide before the surging Cyclone Sister could slide down and cover the spot, and that was the key moment as once Scarlett Hanover had clearance, she meant business. She circled around Ring Of Kerry before they entered the stretch, and from there she drew off to prevail by 3 1/2 lengths. Ring Of Kerry held second over Cyclone Sister, with Sports Check (Robert Shepherd) fourth and Turning The Table (Jody Jamieson) back in fifth.

"Tonight it turned out I was following a good horse, got off the gate, and she led me right out of there. I got a great trip, and she was real good today," said Hensley. "My filly was getting a little rammy. She was wanting to get out the hole. I was able to get her out there just in time to give her head and let her pace down the lane."

The victorious Bettor's Delight-Sammy's Magic Girl (Western Hanover) filly is trained by Ashleigh Hensley for owners Burke Racing Stable LLC., Frank Baldachino, J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby, and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. Scarlett Hanover, bred by Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. and taken out of the 2019 Standardbred Horse Sale for $45,000, picked up her second win in her fourth attempt, has now pocketed C$101,855, and returned $6.20 to win as the 2-1 second choice.

"A buddy of mine, Mark Weaver, him and Burke sent me up three 2-year-olds," remarked Hensley. "They're all very nice. The last couple starts she's really shown it when I've got her in the race and let her do her thing."