East Rutherford, NJ — A first-over grind proved to be no problem for even-money favorite Darlene Hanover, who dashed away in the stretch to win the $350,300 Jim Doherty Memorial for 2-year-old trotting fillies on Saturday (Aug. 8) at The Meadowlands.

Darlene Hanover steamrolled to a 1:55.1 victory in the Jim Doherty Memorial on Saturday at The Meadowlands. Lisa Photo.

In his fourth victory on the day, driver Andy McCarthy floated Darlene Hanover off the gate while Ixia Maculata S barreled for the lead from post eight into a :27.1 first quarter. May Karp raced in second as her stablemate Mazzarati rolled first-over towards the front and cleared command midway up the backstretch. At that point, Altar, the second choice at 3-1, went off stride while uncovered heading in to a :56.3 half-mile.

Darlene Hanover ventured into the far turn with no cover, racing sixth, and began to advance towards Mazzarati. By three-quarters in 1:26.3, Darlene Hanover ranged to within a length of command and soon downed the tiring pacesetter at the head of the stretch. The Chapter Seven-Danielle Hanover filly strolled through the lane in progress to a 1:55.1 victory while chased by Material Girl, who rallied from third-over to take second. Ineffable closed for third.

“I actually didn’t think I would see the inside,” McCarthy said. “The way it worked out, I was happy to be first-over. I didn’t really use all of her the first half, so I kept going up there and I could just hang onto her until the head of the stretch, and she turned around nice.”

Darlene Hanover won her second race from four starts and has earned $188,700 for Yankeeland Partners LLP. Brett Bittle conditions the filly who paid $4.00 to win.