Meadowlands: Elista Hanover dominant in E.T. Gerry Jr. Hambletonian Maturity

In one of the greatest performance seen by a 4-year-old trotting mare, Elista Hanover captured the $425,000 E.T. Gerry Jr. Hambletonian Maturity in stakes record time at the Meadowlands on Saturday night. The chestnut daughter of International Moni trotted the mile and one-eighth distance in 2:03 after passing the mile in an astonishing 1:49 3/5.

David Miller had the lines behind Elista Hanover, and he left as the 7-5 choice but was looped from the outside by Sir Pinocchio, with Jason Bartlett overcoming post eight in an instant. Graduate Series final winner Warrawee Michelle moved between horses to secure the front for Ake Svanstedt into the first turn with Miller on her heels passing a brisk 25 1/5
first quarter.

Elista Hanover was parked through the opening bend before clearing the front, and then saw immediate pressure from Private Access, who crossed over prior to the 54 1/5 first half-mile. Miller waited just a few beats but quickly moved again with Elista Hanover, not wanting to sit despite the hot early pace.

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Once back in control, Elista Hanover was comfortable and marched to three quarters in 1:22 1/5 as Drawn Impression, parked from the start with driver James MacDonald, applied more pressure. Elista Hanover was determined on this night, though, and again shook off a rival and began to edge clear. She passed the mile marker in mid-stretch and awaited another challenge as Warrawee Michalle had found room and attempted to close in.

Elista Hanover closed out the race in stunning fashion with a final eighth in 13 2/5, holding Warrawee Michelle at bay with ease. Security Protected rallied for third ahead of Private Access, with Drawn Impression fifth after an overland journey.

Trained and co-owned by Annie Stoebe, along with R. Lynn and Philomena Curry, Elista Hanover was a winner for the first time this year in six starts following up a second-place finish in the Graduate final a week earlier with the race of her career.

"I was going to sit when (Louis) Roy passed me. She felt great, and I looped around him," said Miller with a broad smile across his face. "Annie has done a phenomenal job with her."

As the 7-5 choice, Elista Hanover returned $4.80 to win.