by John Zimich, publicity director, Pocono Downs

Skydancer Hanover, driven by George Napolitano, Jr., and trained by Mark Harder, won the 2004 Max C. Hempt Memorial Pace Saturday night (May 22) at The Downs at Pocono, scoring a wire-to-wire victory from the six post in 1:51.1. The purse was $162,696.

Napolitano, Jr., left quickly with Skydancer Hanover, taking the nine-horse field to the opening quarter that was clicked off in 27 seconds. Following the winner was Santastic’s Pan (W. Mike Wilder), getting a two-hole trip.

Sitting third was Driven to Win (Donald Dancer) while fourth was Casey’s Bonanza, piloted by Jeff Gregory.

Skydancer Hanover got to the half in 56.1 and three-quarters in 1:24 before closing in 27.1 for the win. Second a length and one-quarter back was Santastic’s Pan with third going to Driven To Win.

In the previous elimination race, Skydancer Hanover was a victor in 1:51 during a rainstorm with a sloppy track. There was a one second track variant that night.

This is the fourth win in five starts for the three-year-old Western Hanover colt owned by Chris Oakes of Pennsylvania, and George Alter and William Kenyon II, both of New York.

“He’s a very sound and happy horse,” said Harder. “I was glad to get him after I had noticed him race a couple of times at the Meadowlands. The horse was sick when he finished eighth in that late April race at the Meadowlands.”

Next up will be the Hoosier Cup before Skydancer Hanover competes in the North America Cup.

“We’ll soon find out how good the horse is,” said Harder.

“I just tried to keep my horse nice and fresh,” said Napolitano, Jr., who won the biggest race of his career. “I only raced him the last eighth of a mile. I just walked him around the track until I asked him to pace at the last turn.

“The horse is a pleasure to drive. I’m happy for Chris (Oakes) and the other owners. It was great to have the opportunity to drive for a trainer like Mark Harder.”