Woodbine Mohawk Park: Sylvia Hanover reigns supreme in Fan Hanover

Sylvia Hanover was expected to meet her most difficult challenge in her racing career on Saturday night in the $420,000 Fan Hanover, but the daughter of Always B Miki was more than up to the task, dominating her rivals while equaling the track and stakes mark of 1:48 2/5 in winning the prestigious event for sophomore filly pacers at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Driver Bob McClure made sure to leave assertively from mid-pack with Sylvia Hanover as both Jenn Bongiorno-trained fillies Zanatta and Beach Cowgirl left to his inside and outside and controlled the early action. Beach Cowgirl led the field to the quarter in 26 4/5 as McClure placed Sylvia Hanover in third ahead of second choice Twin B Joe Fresh and driver Dexter Dunn.

McClure sensed a slowing pace and aggressively moved Sylvia Hanover before the half. It took a while for her to clear past the 55 half, but she did gain control. Dunn then took the cue to send Twin B Joe Fresh, and the two fillies engaged each other on even-terms in their first career matchup. The duel lasted past the 1:21 3/5 three-quarter station but not much longer.

Into the homestretch Sylvia Hanover again shifted gears and lost the competition, with Twin B Joe Fresh seeking cover at a distance behind her. Charleston and driver Tim Tetrick endured a brutal trip, racing three-wide from the half, yet miraculously rallied in the stretch to gain the second spot ahead of Twin B Joe Fresh. Cultured rallied for fourth with Lyons Bettorday fifth in the mile.

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"I just let her roll and she did the rest on her own," said McClure of Sylvia Hanover in the winner's circle. "I've never sat behind anything like her before."

Sent off as the 2-5 choice, Sylvia Hanover returned $2.90 in winning for the 11th time in 12 career starts for trainer Shawn Steacy and owner Hudson Standardbred Stable Inc.

"She's been lights out so far," said Steacy. "She can do things normal horses can't do."