Northfield: Narrow decision for Elver Hanover in Ohio Sires Stakes tussle

A battle between Stanford Court and Elver Hanover erupted in the $60,000 fourth leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Saturday night, Aug. 22 at Northfield Park.

In a dramatic photo finish, it was determined that Elver Hanover (Chris Page), a 5-2 shot, bettered 1-5 favorite Stanford Court (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) by a whisker at the wire in a seasonal mark of 1:49 4/5.

Trained by Ron Burke for Burke Racing, B. Jablonsky, J. Milillo, and J&T Silva-Purnel&Libby, Elver Hanover had also captured his division of OSS leg two in 1:51. The gelded son of Yankee Cruiser now has $455,200 in his career coffers from 11 wins in 15 starts. He recorded a top mark of 1:48 3/5 last season as a 2-year-old at Lexington's Red Mile.

Can B Perfect was third at 13-1 for driver Tyler Smith, with 30-1 Worthabuck (Ryan Stahl) fourth, and 70-1 Rock Smart (Greg Grismore) fifth.

--press release (Ohio Standardbred Development Fund)--