Max Contract beats up on Open pacers

While she did not fare well in her last start against the best older pacing mares in North America ($171,000 Lady Liberty), Max Contract (Huntsville) made up for it a little as she dominated the $20,000 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace at Harrah’s Philadelphia Friday (August 18).

Both Boudoir Hanover (Johnathan Ahle) from post eight and Max Contract (Andy Miller) from post seven with Boudoir Hanover getting to the front first and leading at the quarter mile in :26.2.

But Miller had Max Contract on the move, and she took command after the quarter mile and was faced with an early first-over challenge from Gotthegreenlight (George Napolitano, Jr.) as they passed the half mile marker in :55.2.

Gotthegreenlight kept up the pressure first-over through the three-quarters in 1:22.2. Then on the final turn Miller asked for some more and Max Contract started to pull away from the field and held it up all the way to the wire, winning by two and one-half lengths in 1:50. Boudoir Hanover was second with Always B First (Andy McCarthy) third.

MAX CONTRACT REPLAY

It was the fourth win of the season for Max Contract. The four-year-old mare is trained by Julie Miller for the Andy Miller Stable and Jean Goehlen. She paid $3.40 to win as the wagering favorite.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink