Meadowlands: Bulldog Hanover comes up huge again in Graduate final for male pacers

Bulldog Hanover left no doubt who the best older pacer in North America is on Saturday night with another explosive mile in capturing the $250,000 Graduate Series final for 4-year-olds in a breathtaking 1:46 1/5 mile. Dexter Dunn guided the son of Shadow Play to his fifth consecutive victory.

Whichwaytothebeach and Mark MacDonald pushed the gate away and blasted to the front into the first turn. Dunn left with Bulldog Hanover but patiently drove to the front past the 26 2/5 opening quarter. Bulldog Hanover took a breather in the second quarter as Charlie May and Rockyroad Hanover lingered on the rim waiting for cover and finally got their wish when Brian Sears, behind Linedrive Hanover, sent the gelding up on a second move before the half.

Dunn and Bulldog Hanover slowed the half to 54 1/5, and when encountered by Linedrive Hanover, was eager for the competition. The pair sped through a 26 second flat third quarter, with Charlie May and Rockyroad Hanover moving into prime second- and third-over position with hopes that the pace would collapse in the stretch.

Those hopes were dashed rather quickly when Bulldog Hanover ticked off a second 26 second flat quarter, finishing out his mile powerfully and leaving his rivals gasping, with Dunn confidently steering him home. Rockyroad Hanover made a solid move late for second, with Linedrive Hanover holding on to third after the tough trip. Abuckabett Hanover gave breeder Hanover Shoe Farms the top four finishers in the prestigious event.

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"Once my fella heard him (Linedrive Hanover) he marched on," said Dunn of the competitive nature of Bulldog Hanover. "I spoke with Jody Jamieson about him, and he said that the horse just doesn't get tired," said Dunn. "He's right."

Owned by Jack Darling Stables LTD, and Bradley Grant, Bulldog Hanover is trained by Noel Daley in the U.S. As the 1-5 favorite, Bulldog Hanover returned $2.40 to win.