Meadowlands: Darlene Hanover rolls in Jim Doherty Memorial

There was no need to panic for driver Andrew McCarthy in Saturday's $350,300 Jim Doherty Memorial for 2-year-old trotting fillies since he was driving the best filly. Darlene Hanover, a daughter of Chapter Seven, never saw the pylons during the mile but still blew the field away impressively in 1:55 1/5 despite the elongated journey at the Meadowlands.

"I thought I had the best horse and might end up parked out," said McCarthy following the victory by the Yankeeland Partners LLP.-owned filly.

McCarthy bided his time as May Karp parked Ixia Maculata to a swift 27 1/5 opening quarter. The lead changed again when Mazzarati, with driver Scott Zeron, advanced on the outside and secured control before three-eighths of a mile was complete. Second choice Altar, who had started from post 10 with David Miller, had advanced early into mid-pack position, but when Miller asked her to accelerate nearing the half, the filly made a costly break.

Darlene Hanover would lose Altar's cover, but McCarthy remained poised and began a methodical advance towards the leader after the half was passed in 56 3/5. With Mazzarati backing down the three-quarters to a 1:26 3/5 clocking, Darlene Hanover was able to gain on even-terms, towing Hot As Hill and Material Girl into prime contention in second- and third-over positions.

Darlene Hanover and McCarthy didn't allow those covered behind her to gain any advantage as they motored off quickly to a five length lead in early stretch and maintained a solid edge right through the wire, trotting a final quarter in 28 3/5 while under little encouragement. Material Girl, with Tim Tetrick, rallied willingly for the place spot, with Infeffable finishing third.

Darlene Hanover has now won two straight for trainer Brett Bittle. She returned $4.00 as the even-money choice.

"I was happy to be first-over," said McCarthy after the race. "She's the type of filly that likes a target. She trotted home nicely."