Mohawk: Hannelore Hanover trounces field in Maple Leaf Trot

Hannelore Hanover put in a dominant performance in capturing the C$593,000 Maple Leaf Trot at Mohawk on Saturday night. The 5-year-old daughter of Swan For All drew clear in 1:51 1/5 as the 1-2 choice in the field of ten.

J L Cruze wrestled command from Windsun Revenge in the 26 2/5 opening quarter as Yannick Gingras eased Hannelore Hanover into a three-hole. Once the field entered the backstretch, Gingras moved Hannelore Hanover with authority and was in control through the 54 3/5 half.

With a slow outer flow led by Odds On Amethyst, Gingras was able to back down the pace, hitting three-quarters in 1:23 2/5, and once in the homestretch the race was for runner-up status as Hannelore Hanover sprinted off in 27 4/5, cruising to an open lengths victory for trainer Ron Burke.

J L Cruze, the early leader gamely held on for the place spot, with the other mare in the field, Pasithea Face S, coming up the rail late for the third spot. Warrawee Roo and Homicide Hunter round out the check-getters.

"When she's 100 percent she's tough to beat," said Gingras following the race."They told me she had a great week, and they were right."

Co-owned by Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, Frank Baldachino and J & T Silva, Hannelore Hanover pushed her career bankroll above $2 million with her 32nd career win.

"This is really sweet," said Baldachino about the victory. "Last year she was second to Resolve and this year we were able to win."