Meadowlands: A new Face emerges in the Dr. John R. Steele Memorial

Pasithea Face S overhauled Hannelore Hanover and went on to win the $176,250 Dr. John R. Steele Memorial for aged trotting mares on Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands in 1:51 2/5.

Emoticon Hanover (Dan Dube) and Hannelore Hanover (Yannick Gingras) took turns on the lead through opening-half panels of 27 3/5 and 54 4/5 with Pasithea Face S (Tim Tetrick) watching from third. Tetrick would guide his charge first-over on the final bend, and she would match strides with Hannelore Hanover at the 1:23 3/5 three-quarters.

In the stretch Pasithea Face S took control, and she would kick on to win by about two and a half lengths over Caprice Hill (Brian Sears). Emoticon Hanover rallied up the rail to finish third over Hannelore Hanover.

"I got to drive her two weeks ago, and I just loved her, especially in her first start here. I just went nice and easy with her and trotted to the wire really strong," said Tetrick. "She did her job today. Hannelore's the one to beat, she kind of had an off day, but take nothing away from my mare. She was awesome.

Jimmy Takter trains Pasithea Face S, a 5-year-old Muscle Hill mare, for owner Courant AB. This was her tenth career victory, and she has now earned $396,824. The 7-2 second choice behind Hannelore Hanover, Pasithea Face S paid $9.60 to win.

"This horse is really strong, and I thought she was going to do great by the mile track, and so did her trainer Lutfi Kolgjini in Sweden," said winning owner Anders Strom. "We are friends with Jimmy, so of course this was a great option to come over and try to get a big record for her before she goes into the breeding barn."