Pocono: Stacia Hanover looks for repeat performance in Lynch final

In the James Lynch Memorial eliminations Stacia Hanover put in the best race of her 11-race career. One week later she will need a repeat performance to top a tight-knit group in the $300,000 final for 3-year-old pacing fillies at Pocono Downs.

Stacia Hanover was fast off the gate in her elimination and never looked back in a 1:51 3/5 winning mile. It was her first victory since April 24 and the first time she showed early speed in 2015.

“People were surprised that she showed speed, but last year she was on the front almost every start,” said trainer Steve Elliott. “This year we decided to teach her to race out of a hole.”

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One change that may have helped Stacia Hanover was the addition of Lasix before her most recent start. Elliott admitted the medication may have made a difference but downplayed it as major game changer.

The decision as to whether to utilize Stacia Hanover’s speed will come down to driver Scott Zeron, who will steer the daughter of Western Ideal from post three. That choice could be key in a race filled with top quality young ladies.

“Holloway has a nice pair in there and Chris Ryder’s filly is very handy,” said Elliott, exalting praising on Joe Holloway’s Bettor Be Steppin (post one) and Divine Caroline (post five) as well as Ryder’s The Show Returns (post nine).

While Elliott has respect for the competition in the July 4 final, he has ultimate faith in Stacia Hanover as well.

“We are as good as anybody in there. Only a couple show 26-second final quarters and mine is one of them,” said Elliott.

The Lynch final is scheduled as race nine on a 14-race card filled with stakes races. Post time is 6:30 p.m.