Woodbine Mohawk Park: Dunn, Burke down favorites in Fan Hanover elims

Three-year-old pacing fillies clashed in two C$35,000 Fan Hanover eliminations on Saturday night's program at Woodbine Mohawk Park, and driver Dexter Dunn and trainer Ron Burke won both events with My Girl EJ and Canigetalouploup.

My Girl EJ handed Geocentric just her second loss in the first elimination.

Dunn and My Girl EJ got the lead exiting the first turn before being covered up heading to the half. The Ron Burke trainee angled out going to three-quarters, grabbed the lead and would go the rest of the way. Geocentric sat fourth throughout and was put down to the drive in the lane, working up at the leader, but ultimately coming up a head short in 1:50 1/5. Pass Line, Flawless and Reigning Jade rounded out the top-five.

A daughter of Sweet Lou, My Girl EJ picked up her first win of the season in her second outing. She posted five wins in 13 starts last year, including a victory in the Breeders Crown.

"She was wandering a little when she got by herself," said Dunn of My Girl EJ entering the stretch. "But then when she heard (Geocentric) coming she took off again. She's a game little filly."

My Girl EJ was bred by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and Elizabeth Novak and is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Elizabeth Novak and partner Mitchell Friesen. She paid $11.20 to win.

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The second Fan Hanover elimination saw Canigetalouploup ride the rail from last to a 1:51 1/5 upset victory.

Its A Love Thing rallied from overland at the head of the lane and looked to have a victory in sights. However, the rail opened up for Canigetalouploup to fire through and pull off a 28-1 upset win by a length and three-quarters. Odds On Platinum, Pass And Stow and Caviart Belle completed the top-five to advance.

"I mean, there was a lot of speed early...we got away last, and there was lots of action," said Dunn. "We were just sort of sitting back there, and we did a bit of ducking and diving and weaving, and she sprinted up the lane pretty good."

Canigetalouploup is now two-for-three this season and five-for-18 overall. Bred by Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi, she's earned over C$170,000 for owners Burke Racing Stable, Lawrence Karr, Phillip Collura and Weaver Bruscemi. A $2 win ticket on Canigetalouploup paid $59.90.

The draw for the C$425,000 Fan Hanover final took place following the eliminations. Elimination winners secured a post from two to six.

1-Its A Love Thing
2-Pass And Stow
3-Canigetalouploup
4-Reigning Jade
5-Geocentric
6-My Girl EJ
7-Pass Line
8-Odds On Platinum
9-Caviart Belle
10-Flawless

--press release (Woodbine Mohawk Park)--