by Moira Fanning, Hambletonian Society

Cranbury, New Jersey….. John Kay, Richard Spota and Double Down Stable’s Hanover Chance was the only supplement to the US$331,500 Breeders Crown Mare Pace, after her owners wrote a check for $37,500 for the daughter of Holmes Hanover to compete in the event.

One of four races worth a combined US$1.8 million slated for the Woodbine Entertainment Group’s Mohawk Racetrack on Saturday, Sept. 3, the Mare Pace has been a glamour events over the past several years highlighted by performances by Eternal Camnation and Bunny Lake, the two richest mares of all time.

The six-year-old Hanover Chance was born and raised in New Zealand and began her North American racing career in 2003. She was plucked from the claiming ranks in February of this year at the Meadowlands for a tag of $95,000 by trainer Kevin McDermott for her present owners. Hanover Chance has earned over $100,000 for the partnership of Kay, Spota and Wayne Chrebet’s Double Down stable and took a new life mark of 1:51.2 in July.

“She raced so well in her last start,” said Spota. “It was Glowing Report, Burning Point and L Dee’s Val ahead of her but she had a lot of pace. After talking with Kevin and her driver [Luc Ouellette] we all wanted to do the supplement.”

There have been seven mares supplemented in past years but only one, Ron’s Girl, has won.

Top contenders for the Mare Pace include five millionaires: former Breeders Crown champion Burning Point; 2004 Dan Patch winner Loyal Opposition; Roses Are Red winner Invitro; Glowing Report; and Carolina Sunshine. Defending Crown champion Always Cam is also among the eligibles.

Horses eligible to the Breeders Crown events must enter by 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 23, also at the Mohawk race office.

Eliminations if necessary, will be raced Saturday, August 27.

A complete listing of all eligibles to the four open events and more information on the conditions of the race can be found at www.hambletonian.org or by calling the Hambletonian Society office at (609) 371-2211.