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09/02/2025 08:20
Ben Solo, Juby Ball, Ballymena Boy, Chateau Du Lys, Clever Relation, Elvis Du Berlais, Midnight View, Stinginhisstep, Welcheston Warrier, Benignitas, Luna De Castana, Mini Fortune
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    Pickup Man Hanover Triumphs in Open Race at Saratoga
Pickup Man Hanover Triumphs in Open Race at Saratoga
Image courtesy of Ontario Sires Stakes

Pickup Man Hanover Triumphs in Open Race at Saratoga

In a thrilling turn of events, Pickup Man Hanover secured his first win of the season at Saratoga Casino Hotel, overcoming tough competition in the $20,270 Open Handicap Pace.


After finishing as a runner-up in consecutive races earlier this month, Pickup Man Hanover finally emerged victorious on Saturday, February 17.

Having been a standout nominee for Pacer of the Year during the previous season at Saratoga Casino Hotel, Pickup Man Hanover's transition from a New York Sire Stakes star to an Open Pacer in 2023 proved to be a successful move. Trained by Jaymes McAssey, this talented horse clinched two Opens in '23 and continued his impressive form into 2024, securing a second-place finish in the season's first feature on February 3. Following a close second in a conditional race the previous weekend, Pickup Man Hanover made a triumphant return to the Open on Saturday night, starting from post three in the eight-horse feature.

Under the expert guidance of driver Shawn Gray, Pickup Man Hanover took an aggressive approach from the front-end. Despite challenging first-half fractions of :26.4 and :56.2, Pickup Man Hanover showcased his resilience, holding his ground against a formidable first-over contender. Meanwhile, underdog Sounds Good, ridden by Jimmy Devaux, made a strong surge along the pylon path while Torrid Saint A, with Matt Athearn on board, attempted to make a move towards the leader in the final stretch but fell short. Pickup Man Hanover crossed the finish line in 1:54, securing his first win of the season and his third in the Open category throughout his career. Sounds Good claimed second place, with Torrid Saint A finishing in third.

Punters who backed Pickup Man Hanover were rewarded handsomely, with a $12 return for the win and lucrative payouts of $97.50 for the exacta and $1,026 for the triple bet.

This five-year-old gelding, sired by Huntsville and Pilgrims Witchie, boasts an impressive record of 14 victories from 54 lifetime starts, accumulating earnings of $233,091. Owned by Dennis and Simone Noud of Saratoga Springs, New York, Pickup Man Hanover continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the harness racing circuit.

The excitement of live harness racing will continue on Sunday afternoon with a matinee event commencing at noon.

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