Manchego’s full sister gets first stakes win

WASHINGTON, PA, June 24, 2023 — Swanky Hanover (Muscle Hill-Secret Magic), a full sister to triple Dan Patch Award winner Manchego who disappointed at 2, began to flash that harness racing pedigree Saturday (June 24) at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows when she captured the $58,390 Currier & Ives for sophomore filly trotters for her initial stakes score. She shared the spotlight with Ronnie Wrenn, Jr., who collected seven wins on the 12-race card, including six for trainer Ron Burke.

Jeff and Michael Snyder gave $700,000 for Swanky Hanover at Harrisburg, but she didn’t live up to expectations early on, losing all four starts as a freshman. This year, she’s ripped through her conditions for trainer Marcus Melander, winning three of her last four entering the Currier & Ives.

On Saturday, Swanky Hanover got away fourth for Dave Palone and followed the live first-over cover of Lillehammer Hall, who was seeking her sixth consecutive victory.  Swanky Hanover moved three wide through the final turn, kicked by Lillehammer Hall and held off the Lightning Lane charge of Cando Volo to down her by a length in a career-best 1:55.1. Lillehammer Hall saved show.

“I was tickled to death when I was able to follow the favorite,” Palone said. “It was touch and go whether I would be second over or have to come first up. But it worked out. Marcus does such a nice job of training; all his horses are two fingers to drive. And it’s always nice to get to drive for the Snyders. They’ve had great horses over the years.”

Palone said he never drove Manchego but that Little Sis “will get nothing but better.”

SWANKY HANOVER REPLAY

All three top finishers are eligible for the Hambletonian Oaks.

In Saturday’s overnight feature, a $15,400 Conditioned Pace, Palone and AmericanlightningN (American Ideal-Zest Philly) converted a pocket trip to a nose victory over front-ending Carolina Beach in 1:50.2, a life mark for the 6-year-old gelding. Dragon City completed the ticket.

Tar Heel Racing and Team Tritton Inc. campaign AmericanlightningN, who pushed his career bankroll to $208,706.

AMERICANLIGHTNINGN REPLAY

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Wednesday, first post 12:45 PM.

For complete race results, click here.

by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association