Allywag Hanover sharp in debut qualifier

CHESTER PA – The two Dan Patch award winners in the older pacing category in 2021 squared off in a Harrah’s Philadelphia qualifier Tuesday morning, with Allywag Hanover, making his first trip behind the gate this harness racing season, defeating the mare Lyons Sentinel by three-quarters of a length in 1:53.

Todd McCarthy sent the victorious Captaintreacherous gelding right to the top, with brother Andrew, handling Lyons Sentinel, settling right in behind. Fractions of :29, :57.4, and 1:25.2 were posted, with Lyons Sentinel narrowing in late and both pacers giving a good account of themselves. Brett Pelling trains Allywag Hanover for Allywag Stable.

Another member of Team Pelling, last year’s good freshman Hammering Hank, had a nightmare journey in his 2022 bow,  getting away last, a dozen lengths behind at the half, then suffering interference past the three-quarters, but still rallied for second behind 1:55.2 winner Hunt For Cash. “Hank” probably won’t have that much bad racing luck in almost all of his starts the rest of the campaign.

Driver Andrew McCarthy won qualifiers with a pair of Jim King Jr.-trained sophomore pacing fillies: the Captaintreacherous miss Captain Cowgirl in 1:53.2, and the Sweet Lou distaff Lyons Serenity in 1:52.4.

Video of the day’s qualifiers is posted on the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association website, www.phha.org.

From PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia