by Dean A. Hoffman

Rushmore Hanover lines up behind the starting in Saturday’s Valley Victory as the likely favorite for owner John Lichtenberger of North Bergen, New Jersey.

It’s the ninth start this season for the son of Credit Winner. His only win came on Oct. 30, but he’s been second four times and third once.

The colt was developed by trainer Larry Remmen along with his Hall of Fame brother Ray Remmen. It was Ray who started driving the colt in June and was second in some impressive performances at the Meadowlands and Monticello.

The Remmens handed the lines to John Campbell for his elimination in the Peter Haughton Memorial. Rushmore Hanover went off as the even-money favorite, but broke stride while leading early in the race.

After a month-long vacation, Rushmore Hanover returned to the races in late August in stakes competition at Saratoga, and later went impressive trips against the top Grand Circuit colts at The Red Mile.

He didn’t however, find the winner’s circle until a month ago when he won an overnight at Harrah’s Chester Downs with Andy Miller in the bike.

In that race, he rolled to the front in the final quarter and drew away to win by 6-1/2 lengths in 1:58.4.

It was Miller who got the driving assignment in the Valley Victory elimination heat last weekend. Rushmore Hanover started from post eight and was sent away at 10-1 odds.

Miller worked his way through heavy traffic in the stretch with Rushmore Hanover to finish less than a length behind Stunt Man Hall in the 1:58.2 mile. His final quarter of 28.1 was the fastest in the field.

Rushmore Hanover was a $47,000 yearling last year at the New Jersey Classic Sale.

Andy Miller is a native of Illinois and brother of Erv Miller, leading trainer in North America this year. In recent years Andy has been a dominant factor in the driving colony in Illinois, but has now moved to New Jersey to take on the best drivers on a regular basis at the Meadowlands.

Andy Miller is having his best year ever in terms of earnings as his horses have already earned almost $5.3 million this year, a record for him.

Miller has never won the Valley Victory, but he finished second in 2004 Valley Victory driving Classic Photo.