by Kyle Fitzgerald, for Colonial Downs

New Kent, VA — Tarver Hanover cruised to victory as the 3-10 favorite in Colonial’s Sunday (September 23) feature, a winners over pace worth $9,500.

No Wishes was quickest off the gate with Tarver Hanover content to rate in second in the early stages. Driver Frank Milby was able to slow down the early pace with No Wishes to get to the opening quarter in a tepid :27.2, but Charles Perry, Jr. sent Tarver Hanover to the lead halfway down the backstretch, consigning No Wishes to a pocket trip in second.

Tarver Hanover picked up the pace as the field hit the turn, cutting the half in :55.4 and barreling into the turn with a 1-1/4 length advantage over No Wishes. Stately’s Hoss and Dean Collins made a first-over move on the turn with second choice Barolo Hanover grabbing cover behind that rival.

Tarver Hanover got to the three-quarter fraction in 1:24.2 and was able to quickly dispatch No Wishes at the top of the lane. Stately’s Hoss and Barolo Hanover lined up in the center of the track and finished very strongly, but Tarver Hanover had too much left in the tank, holding on to win by 1-1/4 lengths over Stately’s Hoss in 1:51.2. Barolo Hanover was another half-length back in third.

Sunday’s win was the seventh of the year for Tarver Hanover. The 6-year-old Ball And Chain horse increased his seasonal earnings to $135,725 for trainer W. Bib Roberts and owners Graham Grace Stables LLC, Adam Ainspan and Mary Beth Roberts.

Sunday also featured an impressive return to the races for Royal Photo, the Virginia-bred champion 2-year-old of 2000. Making his first start in 372 days, Royal Photo trotted the mile in 1:57.3 to score a popular victory in race three for owner-trainer Roland Dunavant, Jr. It was the 9-year-old S J’s Photo gelding’s 14th career win, but first since 2004.