Wilkes-Barre, PA — The Tactical Landing filly Yo Tillie survived a rough early journey, limbed three-wide past the eighth pole, not crossing over to the inside and the lead until past the three-eighths, but kept trotting strongly to win her sixth race in an undefeated season by taking the $250,000 Grade 1 Delmonica Hanover, for 3-year-old trotting fillies, in a stakes- and track-record 1:51.2.
Hambletonian Oaks winner Conversano left well as did Delaney Hanover; the latter hit the top before a :27.2 quarter, then kept the winner out in the air for most of the next quarter, with Yo Tillie reaching the half in :55.4.
Conversano came first-over before the 1:23.2 three quarters, but the overland route took its toll, and Delaney Hanover provided the major stretch danger. That filly picked up a few inches on the winner, but Yo Tillie appeared to be in control, winning by three parts of a length while making driver Todd McCarthy the first two-time winner in the Delmonica Hanover’s five-year history.
“I was actually glad when I heard that she would be starting from post six (after What A Bid Hanover was scratched) – six is a lot easier than seven,” winning trainer Andrew Harris, also co-owner with William Pollock and Bruce Areman, said after the race. “She’s a professional now. She used to get a little fired-up before the race, but she’s learned and is easier that way now.”
The 1:51.2 clocking shaved a tick off the stakes record first set by Joviality S in 2022 and tied by Warrawee Michelle last year. Those two had also shared the track record with Check Me Out (2012), Designed To Be (2014), and Lasting Dream (who won a consolation earlier in the day).
“She’s a really special filly, and Andrew is doing a phenomenal job with her,” said winning driver Todd McCarthy. “She’s matured a little bit, and she’s quite smart at the moment. We can race her anyway we want. She’s just been an absolute pleasure to drive every single time.”
Yo Tillie now has career earnings of $592,383, with 14 wins in 18 starts.
Sent off as the 2-5 favorite, Yo Tillie paid $2.80 to win.
R Dutchess, Lasting Dream win consolation divisions
The $125,000 Delmonica Hanover Consolation I proved to be an easy victory for the Father Patrick filly R Dutchess, who was ready after 21 days away and came within a fifth of her mark posting a 1:52.2 time. Tim Tetrick controlled the pace with a move in front of the stands, and the filly continued on impressively to tally for trainer John Butenschoen and lessee M And L Delaware/Armitage Farm.
In the $75,000 Delmonica Hanover Consolation II, the Cantab Hall filly Lasting Dream got the day off to a fast start, equaling the Pocono divisional track record with a 1:51.3 effort with two speed moves for driver Louis Roy. Trainer Luc Blais and owner Determination saw their filly become the fifth of her class to go in 1:51.3 at Pocono, joining Check Me Out (2012), Designed To Be (2014), Joviality S (2022), and Warrawee Michelle (2024). That track record lasted under four hours, as Yo Tillie lowered it by a fifth in the main Delmonica Hanover event.