Meadowlands: Hammering Hank homers in Kindergarten final for male pacers

Hammering Hank had raced exclusively from off-the-pace before the $238,700 Kindergarten Classic Series final for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers at the Meadowlands, but he was moved to the lead before the half tonight by Dexter Dunn, and that tactic proved to be the winning one.

PJ Lou (Andy Miller) stepped out fast from post four and led narrowly at the 28 second opening quarter over a two-wide Early Action (Brian Sears). Early Action took command past that marker, but Hammering Hank was hot on Early Action's heels, and Hammering Hank powered to the point before the 55 2/5 half.

After reaching three-quarters in 1:23 3/5 and not being challenged on the outside, Hammering Hank had plenty left in the tank through the lane, and a 27 3/5 final kicker wrapped up his 1 3/4 length victory over Early Action. PJ Lou held third over Mad Max Hanover (Yannick Gingras).

"He's given the impression when you ask him to do what you want, he'll do it. Once we got away fourth we made a move. He plodded along there, and he sprinted home great," said Dunn. "It was pretty much as scripted on paper. Every time I've sat behind him, he's always impressed me so much. He puts you full of confidence. I clicked at him at three-quarters, and his head went up in the air and he took off. It's always a good feeling when they do that.

"Brett's [trainer Brett Pelling] done a great job with him. He's turned into a great, versatile horse. His high speed obviously helps him a lot, and he's done it both ways now, which is always great to have."

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Pelling trains the winning Captaintreacherous-History Repeats gelding bred by Hanover Shoe Farms for owners 3 Brothers Stables, Pelling Racing LLC., and Rojan Stables. Hammering Hank has eight wins and a second from ten starts, and he has now pocketed $244,650. He was the 4-5 favorite and paid $3.80 to win.

"We're going for the money here tonight, so if you're going to turn them loose, this is the time to do it," remarked Pelling. "Governor's Cup [next Saturday], and then shut down until next year.

"I expect to have this horse racing for a good, long while. I can't imagine him really having any soundness issues. He's so light on the ground, and he's a gelding. He's going to go on. I think we're going to own him for a good, long while."