Mohawk: Hannelore Hanover rolls in Armbro Flight elimination

Hannelore Hanover took the initial step towards an Armbro Flight repeat when she dominated her rivals in the first of two eliminations in the series for older trotting mares on Friday night at Mohawk Racetrack.

After watching Emoticon Hanover gain command with a 27 2/5 opening quarter, Hannelore Hanover was on the move with a controlled brush to the front approaching the half in 56 seconds. From there driver Yannick Gingras just flicked the whip a couple of times and the 5-year-old Ron Burke trainee did the rest, trotting a 28 4/5 third quarter before closing out the mile in 1:52 2/5.

“Last week she was really good but she was even better tonight,” said Gingras. “It was a Sunday stroll.”

Emoticon Hanover finished a clear second ahead of fellow finalists Renegade Magic, Ready And Time and Kestrel.

The top five in both eliminations make the C$253,000 final to be contested on Saturday, June 17.

Hannelore Hanover ($2.10), who now has two wins in three starts this year, is owned by Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi and Frank Baldachino.

Three horses appeared to be closely matched in the second elimination and Charmed Life emerged from the pack a winner in 1:53 1/5.

Charmed Life left strongly into the pocket behind Caprice Hill in a 27 2/5 opening quarter. The pair would sit in that order through a 56 4/5 rated half and 1:25 3/5 third quarter clocking. It was approaching that third call that Broadway Donna popped out of the three-hole to take her shot. She came up to the leader and began to edge away but could not hold off the powerful late strides of Charmed Life.

“She did all I asked of her,” said Louis-Philippe Roy, who was driving for trainer Rene Allard. “I thought I would not have enough room but I switched her three wide and she responded so well.”

Charmed Life ($4.30) has now won four times in 2017, including in the Miami Valley Distaff stake in early May for owners Allard Racing, Yves Sarrazin and VIP Internet stable.

Joining the top three in the final from the second elimination were Flowers N Songs and Majestic Presence.

Here is the draw for next Saturday night's final:

1. Flowers N Songs

2. Kestrel

3. Charmed Life

4. Hannelore Hanover

5. Majestic Presence

6. Renegade Magic

7. Broadway Donna

8. Emoticon Hanover

9. Caprice Hill

10. Ready Any Time

AE: Lady Ping