by Jay Bergman
East Rutherford, NJ — Tall Drink Hanover and driver Andy McCarthy
were dominant in capturing the $100,362 Shady Daisy for sophomore pacing
fillies at The Meadowlands on Saturday (Aug. 3). McCarthy used two moves to
control the race and sprinted off in a track record-setting 1:48 performance.
Stonebridge Soul and
Tall Drink Hanover exchanged the lead through the :26.4 opening quarter.
McCarthy cleverly backed down the half to :54.3 with Tall Drink Hanover, and
when Treacherous Reign and Dexter Dunn came on the offensive to try it
first-over, McCarthy was cool in the bike keeping his rival at bay with a rated
1:22 three-quarter clocking.
Tall Drink Hanover was
put into high gear turning the corner. Favorite Stonebridge Soul lost contact
from the pocket, and second choice Warrawee Ubeaut circled off her cover but
was unable to make up ground. A final-quarter sprint of :26 did the trick for Tony
Alagna trainee Tall Drink Hanover, and she needed a light drive to hold off
long shot Trillions Hanover. Warrawee Ubeaut settled for third and favorite
Stonebridge Soul was fourth.
Owned by Alagna Racing,
Marvin Katz and Riverview Racing, Tall Drink Hanover scored for the fourth time
in eight starts as a 3-year-old. Tall Drink Hanover returned $9.20 with the
win.
"I had all the
cards in my hand," said McCarthy following the race. "I wanted to
control the race and I got a breather in the third quarter."
