Stakes record for sensational Sylvia Hanover in Champlain
MILTON, September 10, 2022 - “What she did tonight was an exceptional effort,” praised trainer Shawn Steacy of his rookie filly Sylvia Hanover who established a new stakes record of 1:50.2 with an impressive performance in Saturday’s lone Champlain Stakes division for two-year-old pacing fillies at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
As the race got underway it was Bankers Luck in control early and she hit the opener for James MacDonald in :26.3. Bob McClure then had Sylvia Hanover in the passing lane and they took command well before the :55.3 half. Bellisima Hanover came calling at the 1:23.3 three-quarters but Sylvia Hanover was not to be denied this night.
The daughter of Always B Miki opened up through the lane with McClure sitting chilly and tripped the timer in 1:50.2 The time shaved four-fifths of a second off the previous record established by Reflect With Me three years ago. Caviart Davia got up for second with Bellisima staying for third.
It was the third straight win for Sylvia Hanover, owned by Hudson Standardbred of Hudson, Quebec. She came into tonight’s contest off wins in the Eternal Camnation and the Whenuwishuponastar Final. The winner’s share of Champlain’s $167,200 purse put her earnings over $200,000 and her summary is now four wins and one second in just five starts.
Her connections agree that it took a bit of time for her to get the message on racing but she’s now hearing it loud and clear.
“Like I’ve said before, she started out lazy, but she’s just getting better and better, stronger and stronger and more professional all the time,” noted Steacy who confirmed that next up on her dance card are the Shes A Great Lady eliminations next weekend at the Campbellville track.
“She’s always been strong but now she’s turning into a real racehorse. Needless to say, she was awesome tonight,” said McClure. “She was really good down the lane, very strong, ears up through the wire.”
Bred by Hanover Shoe Farms and sold as a yearling for $135,000, Sylvia is a sister to $2 million winner Western Fame. Their dam, Shyaway, earned over $140,000 in her racing career and finished second, by a head, in her Champlain division exactly 12 years ago tomorrow.
Heather MacKay for Woodbine Communications
Mark McKelvie