Woodbine Mohawk Park: Miki And Minnie finishes first in Fan Hanover final

The expected duel between champions Miki And Minnie and Chantilly didn't take place after Canada's Horse of the Year had to be withdrawn in advance of Saturday's Grade 1 C$390,000 Fan Hanover Stakes final at Woodbine Mohawk Park, but that didn't stop the race from being exceptional, and the winner Miki And Minnie once again asserted her class over the 3-year-old filly pacers. Dexter Dunn authored a first-over trip to paydirt as the Chris Ryder-trained daughter of Always B Miki marched to her third straight sophomore win in a career-best 1:48 3/5 clocking.

Content early to race from behind with Miki And Minnie, Dunn took an early seat and watched a wicked early speed show ensue as Wickedpace and Jody Jamieson blasted to the front ahead of Cant See Me in a dazzling 25 4/5 opening fraction. When The Last Martini and Doug McNair pulled before the half to make a move, Louis-Philippe Roy moved first from the pocket with Cant See Me to duel and eventually get the front following the half-mile clocking of 54 seconds.

Dunn moved Miki And Minnie past the half, and she strolled up without cover, but due to the quick pace was unable to reach the pace-setting Cant See Me, who rattled through three-quarters in 1:21 1/5. Miki And Minnie shifted into high gear in the homestretch to wear down the leader, and Dunn kept her under urging. The Last Martini found clearance along the pylons and made-up ground on the leader from the inside, and Dave Miller circled wide with Rodeo Drive Deo and looked to have plenty of pace.

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Miki And Minnie dug in bravely, though, and maintained her advantage through the 27 2/5 final quarter, with Rodeo Drive Deo winning the photo with The Last Martini for the place spot.

Trainer Chris Ryder won his third Fan Hanover, as did driver Dexter Dunn, but it was the first time the two had captured the race together. Owned by bred by Craig Henderson, Robert Mondillo and Lawrence Minowitz, Miki And Minnie paid $2.20 as the prohibitive favorite.

"She's a proper racehorse," said Dunn following the win. "She knows her job."

The 1:48 3/5 mile was a fifth off the stakes record.