Woodbine Mohawk Park: Fire Start Hanover blazes to Fan Hanover title

Fire Start Hanover had to overcome a strong track bias and an equally tough 1-2 favorite Hot Mess Express, but the Nifty Norman-trained sophomore filly was up to the task, leading Dexter Dunn across the wire to capture the C$425,000 Fan Hanover Stakes final at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday night.

Dunn and Fire Start Hanover were content to get away mid-pack in the early stages as Mackie Hanover, Notorious Pink, and Scarlett Hanover hustled out early to contest the action. Notorious Pink secured the front on the first turn and made Scarlett Hanover work to clear the front well past the 27 second opening quarter.

Andy McCarthy let the speed settle but was quick to pounce with Hot Mess Express, moving swiftly to gain control three-eighths of a mile into the action and hitting the half in 54 4/5. Dunn waited until that point to pull Fire Start Hanover to the outside but got no favors and was forced to go it alone without cover. While Hot Mess Express picked up the pace through the third quarter, Fire Start Hanover continued to advance, while Game Of Shadows tried to catch her cover, and Voelz Delight rolled up third-over in the flow.

Hot Mess Express hit three quarters in 1:22 2/5 and tried to gain separation from the field, but Dunn's filly just kept responding and inching closer as the two locked horns in mid-stretch. In the final stages, it was clear that the track bias was not going to keep Fire Start Hanover from the winner's circle, as the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere asserted herself and drove by the favorite to win in 1:50 1/5. Hot Mess Express was easily second, with Voelz Delight, Mackie Hanover, and Scarlett Hanover earning the final checks.

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"She went a big mile," said Dunn following the race.

Pinske Stables, David Hoese, and Lawrence Means own Fire Start Hanover, an 8-5 offering that returned $5.50 with the win.

"I know she likes having a target," said Norman. "She raced fantastic to get the job done."

The 2-year-old Dan Patch Award winner in 2020, Fire Start Hanover won for the fourth time in nine starts in 2021.