By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – We’ve seen this
before. And before the year is out, it’s almost a certainty we’ll see it again.
Allywag Hanover, a close-up third in
The Meadowlands Pace two months ago, ended a personal three-race losing streak
with authority Saturday night at The Meadowlands, exploding home in the final
eighth of a mile to take a high-end conditioned pace in 1:49.2.
“We’ve seen him get airborne before,”
said trainer Brett Pelling. “He gets going faster than most horses go.”
Heading into the ninth race, it was
difficult to know which Allywag Hanover would show up, given his disappointing
fourth-place finish in the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes Championship as the 3-5
favorite at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sept. 6.
“When he came back from Canada [after
finishing sixth in the North America Cup on Aug. 29], he coughed a little on
the Monday before the Sire Stakes,” said Pelling. “He had some clear mucus, and
he had the same thing Friday, which was very acceptable. But at Philadelphia,
he came up sick, so that was pretty devastating.”
After taking antibiotics and getting
some rest, Allywag Hanover was ready to go Saturday after taking 12 days off.
Rodeo Rock, a veteran hard-hitter
with a lifetime bankroll of over $723,000, grabbed the lead at the half after
brushing from an early three-hole and the 6-5 second choice had things his own
way after getting clear of the field through a third fraction of :27.1 saw him
reach three-quarters in 1:22.3.
At the head of the stretch, Rodeo Rock
was sailing along on a 2½-length advantage while Allywag Hanover was a
non-threatening fourth racing with cover with plenty to do.
But then he did it.
At the eighth pole, Rodeo Rock still
looked like the winner, but Allywag Hanover, much like he did on July 4 when he
kicked home in :25.3 to win in 1:48, found another gear to nail Rodeo Rock at
the finish by a neck after pacing a final quarter in :26. Like Clockwork was
third.
“It looked to me like he moved
twice,” said Pelling. “[Driver Tim] Tetrick said the same thing. He was going,
then it looked like he spotted [Rodeo Rock] and started going again.”
In upping his lifetime stats to eight
wins from 19 career starts, Allywag Hanover returned $3.60 to his backers as
the 4-5 public choice. His earnings now stand at $234,163 for owners Allywag
Stable.
Pelling revealed what the plan is for
his prized 3-year-old colt, who is a product of Captaintreacherous-Anderosa Hanover.
“He’s going to Hoosier Park Friday
for the Jenna’s Beach Boy Stakes,” said Pelling. “And he has other races, too.
He’s Breeders Crown eligible. Beyond that, I’m pretty sure he’ll race beyond
this year, but it hasn’t been spoken about yet.”
A LITTLE MORE: Todd McCarthy continued to make a big
impression at The Meadowlands, driving three winners on the program. Andy
McCarthy’s 27-year-old little brother has now won nine races over the last
three Big M programs. … All-source handle on the 13-race card was $2,448,703,
capping a second straight weekend where wagering exceeded the $5-million mark.
… Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m.
