Uffizi Hanover provided trainer Jimmy Takter with his second stakes victory on North America Cup Night as she captured the C$457,500 Fan Hanover Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies at Mohawk Racetrack in Campbellville, Ont.
Driven by David Miller, Uffizi Hanover swept her elimination and the final as the 8-5 favorite for Al Libfeld of Pickering and Toronto partners Marvin Katz and Sam Goldband.
Take That Hanover (Mike Saftic) out-sprinted Bahama Blue (Mario Baillargeon) off the gate from mid-pack and put up a :26-second opening quarter before Miller sent last year's Breeders Crown champion Uffizi Hanover after the lead from third into the backstretch with Nat A Virgin (Rick Zeron) hot on her heels and sweeping up three-wide to take over command.
Nat A Virgin hit the half in :54.4 and opened up a couple of lengths on top en route to three-quarters in 1:23.2. Meanwhile, Major Dancer (Brian Sears) was advancing with Beach Gal (Tim Tetrick) stalking her cover.
Nat A Virgin was still clear on top entering the stretch, but Uffizi Hanover closed late to nab the victory in 1:50.4. Nat A Virgin settled for second and Take That Hanover finished third.
Uffizi Hanover paid $5.30 to win.
The Well Said-Up Front Dragonfly filly now has four wins in 15 career starts and earnings totaling C$609,375.
Courtesy of http://www.standardbredcanada.ca
