by James Witherite-Rieg, track announcer, Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack

Chester, PA — Five divisions of Pennsylvania Sires Stakes were contested at Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack on Thursday afternoon, August 30, with 2-year-old trotting fillies front and center.

Vincent and Geraldine Molloy’s Athena Hanover ($2.80) found a perfect trip en route to a 2-1/4 length victory in a track record of 1:57.3 in her division.

The daughter of Tagliabue got away sixth behind leaders Tortoni (Eric Goodell), Morguns Sweetheart (Yannick Gingras), and Tarport Majorette (Jim Taggart, Jr.) after a leisurely opening quarter of :30. With Tarport Majorette continuing to advance off the cones, George Brennan pulled with Athena Hanover, placing her second-over at a half of 1:00.2.

Behind dead cover at this point, Brennan circled Tarport Majorette up the backstretch, cutting a 27.4 third quarter herself to reach three-quarters completion in 1:28.3. She maintained her lead, unchallenged in the late stages through a :29 final quarter to stop the timer in 1:57.3.

Jim Campbell trains Athena Hanover, who has now won five of six career starts.

Other division winners were Timeless Winner (2:00.3, Yannick Gingras), Diamondsonbroadway (1:58.3, Cat Manzi), Marion Michelle (1:59, George Brennan), and Dancing On Stage (1:58.1, Tim Tetrick).

Live racing resumes at Harrah’s Chester on Sunday, September 2. Post time is 12:45 p.m. (EDT).