Fire Start Hanover reaches up in $425,000 Fan Hanover

Fire Start Hanover emerged victorious from a harness racing stretch battle with Hot Mess Express in the $425,000 Fan Hanover Final on Saturday at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Dexter Dunn positioned the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere in the six-hole from post six as a trio of her sophomore filly opponents vied three-wide to a :27 opening quarter mile. Dunn moved his charge off the pylons and began a first-over slog while approaching the half in in :54.4.

Fire Start Hanover advanced uncovered into a 1:22.2 three-quarter tempo but lagged several lengths off leader Hot Mess Express (Andrew McCarthy) as they marched into the stretch. Hot Mess Express battled into the final eighth, but Fire Start Hanover continued to close until the job was done, reaching past in the final strides to triumph by a neck in 1:50.1.

Hot Mess Express took her second loss of the season as she held the place spot. Voelz Delight (Sylvain Filion) surged late for show.

FIRE START HANOVER REPLAY

Fire Start Hanover, a daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, won for the 12th time in her 22-race career and grew her bankroll to more than $1 million. She was trainer Nifty Norman’s second winner of North America Cup night. He trains the filly for Pinske Stables of Plato, David Hoese of Glencoe, and and Lawrence Means of Lemoyne.

For full race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink