Mohawk: Pure Country's eventful journey ends with Fan Hanover glory

Pure Country overcame some road trouble in the early stages and catapulted off cover to capture the C$438,000 Fan Hanover final at Mohawk in a career-best 1:49 3/5 clocking. Last year’s undefeated 2-year-old divisional champion defeated Darlinonthebeach and L A Delight in a thrilling finish.

Not all was going perfectly in the early stages as Pure Country left for a spot, and then had to decide whether to allow longshot Mayhem Seelster tuck in front of her or to keep that one parked. Driver Brett Miller allowed the tuck, and then almost immediately found Pure Country in tight quarters as Lindwood Beachgirl, with James MacDonald, quickly pulled before the half and put Miller in an uncomfortable situation. Miller was deft in edging off the rail and eventually found himself third-over in the outer tier flow.

While that was going on in the field, Good Will Hanover had assumed control from the outset from Darlinonthebeach and led through a snappy 26 1/5 opening quarter. Good Will Hanover was still in control at the half in 54 3/5 but found company with Lindwood Beachgirl going on the offensive. Good Will Hanover could not hold off Lindwood Beachgirl as the two passed three-quarters in 1:22 2/5, with the challenger surging to the lead.

Miller, with Pure Country, edged wide off the final bend, and the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere hit high gear. To her inside was L A Delight, and further towards the pylons was Darlinonthebeach. The three favorites battled strongly to the wire, but Pure Country was just too much. Darlinonthebeach nosed out L A Delight for the place spot.

“She can overcome a lot,” Brett Miller said after the race, likely referring to his early race foible that didn’t turn out that badly.

Trained by Jimmy Takter for owner-breeder Adam Bowden Jr.’s Diamond Creek Racing, Pure Country won for the 12th time in 15 career starts. Pure Country returned $6.10 to win.