From Harness Link, (Steve Wolf, 23 September 2023)
In a four-horse race to the finish, ALLYWAG HANOVER (CAPTAINTREACHEROUS) and driver Todd McCarthy was able to beat longshot Lou’s Pearlman to the wire in capturing the $175,000 Harrah’s Hoosier Park Pacing Derby Friday (Sept. 22) at Hoosier Park. The 12th race feature got underway with Hellabalou the first on the early lead with then it was Little Rocket Man getting the lead briefly and then ALLYWAG HANOVER going to the lead at the quarter in :25.2. No one was getting a breather in the race as Lou’s Pearlman, at 31-1, then made a bold move for David Miller and took command at the half mile in :53. That was followed by race favorite Bythemissal coming first-over and then ALLYWAG HANOVER slipping off the rail and getting second-over cover as they passed the three-quarters in 1:20. Coming down the stretch, Lou’s Pearlman still had the lead, Todd McCarthy then came after them with ALLYWAG HANOVER and along the rail was Ponda Warrior shooting into contention.As they came to the wire, ALLYWAG HANOVER came on just enough to win by a half a length in 1:47.3.
“I was in the mix there early,” Todd McCarthy explained. “I did not like my spot early on as I was on the rail. It still worked out off the turn as I was able to slip out and I was real happy with that. That was a pretty good mile here tonight.”
It was the fastest mile of the year at Hoosier Park and the third win on the year for ALLYWAG HANOVER who went over the $2 million career mark with the victory. He is trained by Brett Pelling for the Allywag Stable of Wellsville, PA and paid $10.80 to win.
PHOTO: Dean Gillette Photography
