Northfield, OH – Donzel Hanover got picture perfect handling by 21-year-old Eric Miller, turning the tables on his foes to score a sharp win in the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association (GLADA) feature at Northfield Park on Sunday (July 19).
The 7-year-old gelded son of Sebastian K S showed sharp foot off the wings, wound up in the garden spot the entire way and, once they straightened away, darted to the inside to score by 1-3/4 lengths over the late-charging Manhattanup No Ice, with Edward Miller in the bike.
The pacesetting Magical Journey, driven by Lauren Harmon, was just another nose back in third.
Supreme Rockette finished fourth for Susan Miller after threatening turning for home with Mind Yown Business and Richard Miller a scant nose further away getting the nickel.
Last week, Donzel Hanover cut the mustard and got caught in the lane to finish third while, this week, Donzel Hanover got the garden trip to turn the tables and get the win in 1:59.
Away alertly from post 3, Donzel Hanover and Magical Journey (post 5) dueled off the wings with the latter taking charge on the backside to quarter in :28.3 with a :59.3 half to follow with Mind Yown Business third and Supreme Rockette beginning a rally on the outside.
At the third station in 1:29.1, Magical Journey was boldly protecting the lead as Supreme Rockette loomed on the outside with Donzel Hanover licking his chops just waiting for room to roam.
In the lane, Eric Miller found that room inside to shoot on by Magical Journey for a handy score, easily holding off the late charging Manhattanup No Ice for the win.
In a post-race interview, driver Eric Miller said, “Last week, I cut the mile and Lauren (Harmon) got me in the lane, but my horse was making only his third start, so I guess he was just a little short.
“But he’s a really handy horse and we turned the tables today.
“I had the greatest trip and was just waiting to straighten away and found the room and he burst on by for the win.
“He’s a pretty darn nice horse!”
Donzel Hanover is trained by John G. Wengerd for the Ely Stable LLC of Ohio.
It was the first win in just four starts this year for Donzel Hanover, with his lifetime bounty now at $140,591.
Off as third choice at 8-1, the winner returned $18.40 to his faithful.