Harrah's Hoosier Park: Bulldog Hanover best in Monument Circle

Bulldog Hanover didn't disappoint in Friday night's $220,000 Monument Circle for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers at Harrah's Hoosier Park, tallying by open lengths in 1:48 3/5.

Sent off at 2-5, Bulldog Hanover tucked into fourth from post seven for driver John De Long. Meanwhile, 58-1 shot Gamblin Mo (Sam Widger) went on a speed mission from the pole position, laying down fractions of 26 2/5, 53 4/5, and 1:21. Heart Of Chewbacca (Tim Tetrick) went first-over out of third entering the far turn, giving Bulldog Hanover cover to follow, but Heart Of Chewbacca stalled out before three-quarters after moving up into second, forcing De Long to go three-wide with Bulldog Hanover.

In the stretch Gamblin No responded while high-lined along by Widger and looked like he might be able to pull off the stunning upset, but Bulldog Hanover kept making forward progress despite drifting out. In the end, Bulldog Hanover surged by the game Gamblin Mo inside the last eighth, then pulled clear to prevail by four lengths. Gamblin Mo did hold on to second in a big mile, fending off Whichwaytothebeach (Andy McCarthy).

"I never thought I'd be second-over, but the way it worked out was perfect," remarked De Long]. We'll see what [trainer Jack Darling] has to say. He's a bulldog."

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Darling also co-owns Bulldog Hanover, a Shadow Play colt, with partner Brad Grant. Bulldog Hanover has compiled a record of 12-3-1 from 19 lifetime starts, and he has now pocketed $711,591. He paid $2.80 to win.