Holborn Hanover sets records at Dancer Memorial

WORLD WIDE RACING PHOTOS George Brenna guides Holborn Hanover to the win during the Nov. 20 Dancer Memorial Pace at Freehold Raceway.

Holborn Hanover made the 29th edition of the James B. Dancer Memorial Pace one to remember.

With George Brenna at the reigns, Holborn Hanover turned in the fasted mile by a sophomore pacing gelding on a half-mile track in 2004, 1:51.2, shattering the stakes and Freehold Raceway track records in the process Nov. 20.

The 3-year-old son of Cam’s Card Shark (the 1994 Dancer winner) out-dueled Timesareachanging (Ron Pierce) in a speed battle down the homestretch.

Art Director (Cat Manzi) set the rapid pace out of the gate, but it was Metropolitan, with Brian Sears in the bike, who took the field through the first quarter in 27.2.

The pace did not slacken in the second quarter as Brandon’s Cowboy (Dan Dube) moved from third to first and led at the half-mile in 55.4. The stakes and track record were in serious trouble.

While all of this action was going on at the front, Brennan had nestled Holborn Hanover along the rail while the other contenders took their turn at the front.

Brennan decided it was time to get his pacer off the rail and with his urging, Holborn Hanover put on a dazzling display of speed and rushed into the lead with Timesareachanging on the outside. Holborn Hanover passed the three-quarter pole in a sizzling 1:23.2.

Pierce’s colt dug deep in the homestretch and pulled up along side Holborn Hanover. The two pacers were even in the homestretch, but Holborn Hanover still had another burst of speed in his legs. Holborn Hanover quickly opened up a two-length lead, but Timesareachanging would not concede. Moving to the inside of Holborn Hanover, Timesareachanging began to chip away at the lead.

However, at the wire, Holborn Hanover was clear by three-quarters of a length. His 1:51.2 shattered the old Freehold record for 3-year-old pacing geldings of 1:53.1 shared by Captain Pantastic (1993) and Western Dreamer (1997).

“Things kinda just worked out good,” Brennan said after Holborn Hanover’s win. “When Art Director left quick and Metropolitan moved on him, there were already a couple of horses spent.

“When Dube [Brandon’s Cowboy] got to the lead, I knew I could overtake him,” he added. “That would put Timesareachanging in a bad spot — first over.”

With his share of the $258,190 purse, Holborn Hanover surpassed $1 million in earnings in 2004. Brennan believes his horse deserved consideration for Pacer of the Year honors in his division. Holborn Hanover had previously won the $1 million Meadowlands Pace and the $345,900 Progress Pace. He has won seven of his 24 starts.

Brennan praised trainer Mark Harder, who has been able to keep Holborn Hanover race-ready throughout the season.

“Mark has got to be congratulated for doing such a great job with him [Holborn Hanover],” said Brennan. “It’s not easy to keep a horse this sharp this late in the year.”

Since its inception in 1976, the Dancer Memorial has become one of the big races of the year for 3-year-old pacers. Over the years the likes of Niatross, Cam’s Card Shark, Abercrombie, Artsplace and Nihilator, who won the Dancer, went on to be cited as Horse of the Year winners. Halborn Hanover hopes he can add his name to that prestigious list following his impressive win at Freehold.