Northfield, OH — A battle royale between Stanford Court (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) and Elver Hanover (Chris Page) erupted in the $60,000 fourth leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts on Saturday night (Aug. 22) at MGM Northfield Park. 

Elver Hanover narrowly edged Stanford Court to take a leg of the $60,000 Ohio Sire Stakes Saturday. J J Zamaiko Photo.

In a dramatic photo finish, it was determined that Elver Hanover (Chris Page), the 5-2 choice, bested 1-5 favorite Stanford Court (Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.) by a whisker at the wire in a seasonal mark of 1:49.4. 

Trained by Ronnie Burke for Burke Racing, B. Jablonsky, J. Milillo and J&T Silva-Purnel&Libby, Elver Hanover had also captured OSS Leg Two in 1:51. The gelded son of Yankee Cruiser now has $455,200 in his career coffers from 11 wins in 15 starts.  He recorded a top mark of 1:48.3 last season as a 2-year-old at Lexington’s Red Mile.   

Can B Perfect (Tyler Smith) was third at 13-1, with 30-1 Worthabuck (Ryan Stahl) fourth and 70-1Rock Smart (Greg Grismore) fifth.  

The top nine point earners from each of the 2- and 3-year-old divisions are now eligible to compete in the $300,000 Championships on Super Night, Saturday, Sept. 5 at Scioto Downs.