Washington, PA – Trailing by nine lengths at the half, Fly Past Hanover emerged from the cover flow around the final turn and pulled off the 17-1 upset in Wednesday’s (May 29) co-feature at The Meadows, an $11,500 Conditioned Trot. Also capturing $11,500 events were Spirit Light and Bone A Fide Babe.

As the race unfolded, the scenario did not look favorable for Fly Past Hanover, who customarily does his best work at or near the front. Moreover, the cover flow was peppered with gaps, meaning Fly Past Hanover would have to do much of the heavy lifting himself.

Fly Past Hanover with the 17-1 upset for driver Aaron Merriman at the Meadows Wednesday. Chris Gooden Photos.

But the 8-year-old Cantab Hall-Flexible Spending gelding was up to the task, exploding late for Aaron Merriman and scoring in 1:55.3. Wilberforce shot the Lightning Lane for second, 1-1/4 lengths back, with Chef Lee third. William Daugherty, Jr. trains Fly Past Hanover, who now boasts $217,339 in career earnings, for Susan Daugherty.

Dave Palone piloted three winners on the 13-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows resumes Saturday (May 1), when the card features the $70,000 Currier & Ives for 3-year-old filly trotters. First post is 1:05 p.m.