Hanover Raceway Dream of Glory Preview

Dream Of Glory Preview – A deeper dive

The top Ontario Sired 3 year old harness racing colts and fillies have emerged to battle for the lion’s share of $56,200 and the title of Dream Of Glory champion at Hanover Raceway on Saturday.

You can make a strong case that this year’s Dream Of Glory Final is the strongest field in the history of the event.

We took a deeper look at each finalist here:  

1. Sweet Soul David

The 2020 Balanced Image champion was quite impressive in his Dream Of Glory Elimination, pulling the pocket down the back stretch to win well in hand for driver Louis-Philippe Roy. With a very favourable post position, Sweet Soul David will be among the favourites, to possibly join Traverse Seelster as the second horse ever to sweep the Hanover Raceway Stakes double. 

2. Century Highness

This Royalty for Life filly faced a stacked elimination, squaring off against Publicity Seeker and Highland Mowgli, but was able to capture 3rd place to earn a spot in the $56,200 final. Century Highness will face a tough field in the final, but with an inside post, she could pick up a cheque.

 3. Publicity Seeker

Publicity Seeker captured the first of three eliminations by upsetting post time favourite Highland Mowgli. The Muscle Mass gelding, driven by Doug McNair, pulled the pocket at the top of the stretch and outkicked competitors. Publicity Seeker will likely be put into play early and should be a favourite to take home the Dream Of Glory title.

4. Tipsy In Dixie

Tipsy In Dixie has been very impressive this season, winning 4 of 5 starts, including her win in last week’s Dream of Glory elimination. This daughter of Muscle Mass went coast to coast, while posting the fastest of 3 eliminations with a mile time of 2:01 (track was off 4 seconds). She will take on top OSS Gold level colts in the final, but fans certainly expect her to be in the hunt for the title. 

5. Muscle Jack

This Blake Macintosh trainee was 2nd in his Dream Of Glory elimination. Driver Jody Jamieson gave the Muscle Mass gelding an aggressive steer, but couldn’t hold off Sweet Soul David. With the right trip, Muscle Jack could be a threat to win this year’s $56,200 Dream Of Glory.

6. Kilauea

Kilauea had a strong showing in the 3rd and final elimination, to pick up a 2nd place finish behind Tipsy In Dixie. He will have overcome post position 6 and a very strong field of 3 year olds to pick up a cheque in the final.

7. Top Of The Bar

Top Of The Bar had to overcome post position 7 in his elimination, he was able to     capture a 3rd place finish with a strong closing kick in the closing stages of the race. The Muscle Mass filly has shown the ability to compete with this group, but will need a good trip.  Her trainer Mark Etsell was a member of Hanover Raceway’s Board of Directors back in 2001-2002, when the Dream of Glory race was created by the Raceway.

8. Highland Mowgli

Highland Mowgli looked to be the one to beat heading into last week’s eliminations, but after a loss to Publicity Seeker, the favourite for the final isn’t so clear. Despite drawing the trailing post position, the Amanda Fine trained Archangel colt has shown the speed needed to overcome this spot and should be in the hunt for the title.

The $56,200 Dream Of Glory Final takes place on Saturday, July 31st with a post time for the afternoon race card set at 1:30 PM.

The final is complemented by the $10,000 Gail Murray Invitational that hosts a field of top class pacers.

Wagering enhancements for Saturday’s race card includes a $2,000 guaranteed Pick 5 beginning in race 1 and $2,500 Pick 4 starting in race 7.

Fans can catch all the action by visiting hanoveraceway.com to register to attend the races or view the HD live stream. 

By Tony Elliott, for Hanover Raceway