Meadowlands: Anoka Hanover prevails again in Kindergarten final

Anoka Hanover and driver Todd McCarthy powered home off a second-over trip to capture the $252,340 Kindergarten Classic final for juvenile trotting fillies on Saturday night at the Meadowlands in a career-best 1:52 3/5 mile.

A daughter of Donato Hanover, Anoka Hanover was taken off the pace in the early going as Dutiful sprinted to command before giving way to Insta Glam past an opening quarter of 27 2/5. Driver Dexter Dunn kept Insta Glam in front with the pace strong through a half in 55 4/5. Wet My Whistle and driver Ake Svanstedt edged off the pylons with three-eighths remaining and provided Anoka Hanover with a bit of cover, but once Insta Glam cut three-quarters in 1:24 1/5, McCarthy gave Anoka Hanover her cue by going three-wide.

Insta Glam bore out some in the stretch but was powerless to hold off a relentless charge from Anoka Hanover as the filly stormed past in the deep stretch for a convincing victory at odds of 4-5. Insta Glam held valiantly for second, with Mazzarati getting the third spot.

Owned by trainer Noel Daley, along with L A Express Stable and Caviart Farms, Anoka Hanover won for the sixth straight time this year and made ninth appearance in the winner's circle in 13 career starts. She'll head next to the Goldsmith Maid in two weeks at the Meadowlands.

"That was her best run of the year," said Daley in post-race commentary.