In what seemed like just another overnight race for seven
pacers that were non-winners of $500 per start and/or $12,500 claimers, it was,
however, the most interesting event on the 10-race card. Actually it
would have been an interesting race anywhere.
The contest pitted multiple race winners Haroun
Hanover (10 wins) and DVC Gifted Indeed (5 this year-14 last season) and
thrown in for good measures was Court Jester, The Mighty M’s 2012 Horse of the
Year who had 10 wins- five consecutive faster than 1:55 and an
overall 2012 seasonal mark of 1:50.2.
When starting judger Scott Hamilton said “Go” in that
contest, Bruce Aldrich Jr. and DVC Gifted circled the field from the
seven- hole and took command before the turn. Greg Merton, with Court Jester
from the two-hole, tried to seize the lead from DVC Gifted Indeed
but Aldrich wanted no part of that and he made Merton take a seat
as the field passed the quarter mile timer in swift :27.
With DVC Gifted Indeed on the front- end as the field
approached the half way point Marohn let Haroun Hanover slide out
from third position but the pacer hung first-over going nowhere as the timer
flashed 55:4.
“I’m glad they were smokin’ on the front end it made
it easier for me to keep him (Haroun Hanover) in a hole,” Marohn said after
the race was completed. “For some reason he was extra tough today but
that means he’s getting good again.”
Up the backside Court Jester moved to the lead as DVC Gifted
Indeed began to tire. But Haroun Hanover, who literally knows no end to a mile,
kept grinding on the limb as the field bunched up on the final turn.
In the lane Haroun Hanover finally gained the front and
rebuffed a late charge up the passing lane by Wantasmile and driver Pat Beeler.
Court Jester finished to third , some 1-1/2 lengths behind the winner and DVC
Gifted Indeed , who set the fast fractions, faded and finished fifth.
But with what now has become a standard feature of Haroun
Hanover’s victories here, the pacer refused to pull-up after the mile.
As they were making their second revolution around the track
starting judge, Scott Hamilton, gunned the mobile gate-- away from its parked
position after the start-- up to get in front of the pacer and Marohn
aimed Haroun Hanover directly behind the car to once again stop the horse. With
the horse’s groom by the paddock gate to grab him Haroun Hanover
was then led back to his paddock stall.
“I know we’re getting to be a sideshow but as long as he
(Haroun Hanover) keeps winning we’ll do whatever we have to do,” Marohn said,
and then added perhaps with tongue in cheek—but maybe not—“Remind me to
put Scott Hamilton on my Christmas list.
“Owned by Ed Hall and James Hall of South Windsor, Ct. and
trained by Danny Gill, Haroun Hanover paid $4.20 for win.
It turned out to be a huge afternoon for driver Jimmy
Marohn, Jr. and trainer Danny Gill. They hooked- up with four winners on the
card.
Besides Haroun Hanover’s victory, they connected with
Superbowl Party (1:57.1--$4.00)., Farewell Sky (1:56.1-$4.60) and with
Ididitmyrei (1:57-$3.80).
