by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Perhaps El Paso Hanover got too good for the local competition at Buffalo Raceway after he won seven of eight starts against the best pacers in western New York, so trainer Tim Dunlop shipped him, and two others, to Monticello Raceway where the altered son of Western Hanover proved to be just as lethal.

With Kyle DiBenedetto at the controls, El Paso Hanover continued his winning ways when he cruised to an easy 1:55.4 victory against the Mighty M’s best in the track’s weekly $6,800 Open Pace on Tuesday afternoon, April 26.

Despite his outstanding seasonal performances and the fact that he just came off a 1:57.1 victory from post position eight in his last outing at Buffalo Raceway, El Paso Hanover was dismissed by the local bettors and was sent off at odds of 9-2 and returned a hefty $11.80 win mutuel.

Not only did El Paso Hanover score an easy four length victory, but he almost made a laugher of the contest. He departed from post position six and never saw the pylons until he overtook the pacesetter, West Gun, at the three-quarter marker as the timer flashed in 1:27.1.

After gaining command, El Paso Hanover opened up three lengths on the field and cruised home an easy winner over West Gun, who was driven by Greg Merton. Waterside Speed picked up the show dough for driver Stephane Bouchard.

The 1:55.4 clocking was a new lifetime mark for the seven-year-old gelding whose lifetime earnings are approaching $100,000.

Incidentally, one of Dunlop’s other charges, Master Of The Game, turned back a field of $5,000 claiming pacers in a 1:57.2 clocking with Greg Merton at the controls.

A third pacer, Fiery Sahbra, finished fifth against $7,000 claiming company with Kye DiBenedetto aboard.

All three of Dunlop’s charges are owned by David Krol of Alden, New York.