Bulldog Hanover romps to 11th straight win

Parked outside every step of the one mile race, Bulldog Hanover (Shadow Play) posted his 11th straight harness racing victory by pulling away from the field at the top of the straight and winning the $250,000 Dayton Pacing Derby in a romp at Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Saturday (Oct. 1).

American Courage (Matt Kakaley) went right out to the early lead with This Is The Plan (Yannick Gingras) getting the two-hole trip to the first quarter in :26.2. Meanwhile, Bulldog Hanover and driver Dexter Dunn did not find a spot early and started up first-over.

Coming past the grandstand the first time, American Courage led the way and then Workin Ona Mystery and driver David Miller came first-over, giving Bulldog Hanover some much appreciated cover past the half mile in :54.4.

American Courage continue to cut the mile to the three-quarters in 1:22.4 as Dunn moved Bulldog Hanover three-wide on the final turn. Then once starting down the stretch, Bulldog Hanover just motored away from the field for Dunn, winning by five open lengths in 1:50.1, the fastest mile on the Championship night. Allyway Hanover (Todd McCarthy) closed to be second with This Is The Plan third.

BULLDOG HANOVER REPLAY

For the world’s fastest Standardbred, it was the 12th win in 13 starts this year for Bulldog Hanover. He is trained by John Darling for owners Jack Darling and Brad Grant and paid just $2.10 to win. He was bred by Hanover Shoe Farms, Inc.

To read about all the action and see all the replays from the $3.4 million card at Dayton, click here.

For complete race results, click here.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink