by Mike Paradise, publicity director, Maywood Park

MELROSE PARK, IL — Tycoon Hanover put in a game performance Friday night in Maywood Park’s featured tenth race, a claiming event for horses carrying tags of $25,000 to $27,500. Piloted by his owner-trainer Mike Oosting, the seven-year-old son of Dragon’s Lair stopped the timer in 1:55.3 despite single-digit temperatures, a heavy wind, and snow flurries.

“This horse is tough, gritty and just never stops,” said Oosting after the race. “I always really liked him, and tonight he proved how tough he really is.”

It was the third win in row for heavy 2-5 favorite Tycoon Hanover, who has been a popular claim as of late. He was claimed from Odds On Racing for $17,500 on January 27 at Balmoral Park by trainer Ken Rucker, and then was claimed by Mike Oosting last Friday (February 9) for $20,000 at Maywood Park. And the horse was taken again in this event, this time by trainer Paul Stafford, for $25,000 for Engle Stable LLC.

Leaving from the rail in the field of seven, Tycoon Hanover ($2.80) was content to sit behind the pacesetter Deville (Sam Widger) who took command as the wings folded, leading the field to a :27.2 first quarter. Coming out of the second turn for the first time Oosting pulled Tycoon Hanover to the outside of Deville and challenged the leader through the half-mile marker of :55.4.

“It wasn’t really a great trip for my horse, but it worked out okay for us,” Oosting noted. “He was just super game and did it despite those brutal fractions on a night like this.”

Deville fought gamely back against Tycoon Hanover, but finally relinquished his lead just before the 1:25.1 three-quarter clocking. From there Tycoon Hanover looked every bit the winner, drawing away from the rest of the field and going on to post a three length triumph, nailing down his third consecutive victory. Fox Valley Tigre (Dave Magee) came on to be second, while Deville hung on for show honors.

The victory pushed Tycoon Hanover’s seasonal earnings to $14,298 and his career bankroll to $251,408.