Meadowlands: Tall Drink Hanover lowers track record in Shady Daisy

Tall Drink Hanover and driver Andy McCarthy were dominant in capturing the $100,362 Shady Daisy for sophomore pacing fillies at the Meadowlands on Saturday (Aug. 3). McCarthy used two moves to control the race and sprinted off in a track record-setting 1:48 performance.

Stonebridge Soul and Tall Drink Hanover exchanged the lead through the 26 4/5 opening quarter. McCarthy cleverly backed down the half to 54 3/5 with Tall Drink Hanover, and when Treacherous Reign and Dexter Dunn came on the offensive to try it first-over, McCarthy was cool in the bike, keeping his rival at bay with a rated 1:22 three-quarter clocking.

Tall Drink Hanover was put into high gear turning the corner while favorite Stonebridge Soul lost contact from the pocket, and second choice Warrawee Ubeaut circled off her cover but was unable to make up ground. A final quarter sprint of 26 seconds did the trick for Tony Alagna trainee Tall Drink Hanover, and she needed a light drive to hold off longshot Trillions Hanover. Warrawee Ubeaut settled for third, and Stonebridge Soul was fourth.

"I had all the cards in my hand," said McCarthy following the race. "I wanted to control the race, and I got a breather in the third quarter."

Owned by Alagna Racing, Marvin Katz and Riverview Racing, Tall Drink Hanover scored for the fourth time in eight starts as a 3-year-old. Tall Drink Hanover returned $9.20 with the win.

"She's been good all year," said Alagna. "We beat a good filly in Warrawee Ubeaut last week, and I was expecting a good race out of her today."