Photo:

The Meadowlands / Lisa Photo

Driver Dexter Dunn worked a snug pocket ride for 5-2 second
choice Mirage Hanover and powered for the money to equal the 1:48.0 stakes
record in the $600,000 Breeders Crown 3-year-old colt-and-gelding pace
Saturday night at the Meadowlands.

Leaving from the pylon post, Dunn pushed Mirage Hanover to
secure a seat behind 3-5 favorite Captain Albano, who bore a furious challenge
from Timeisonmyside through a 26.4-second first quarter-mile. Timeisonmyside
remained a pestering thorn to Captain Albano, who nonetheless coasted to a 54.1-second
half-mile.

Captain Albano continued to cruise as Timeisonmyside
retreated through the turn and congested the outer tier on the move to
three-quarters of a mile in 1:21.2.

Mirage Hanover all the while followed with intent and amply
responded once Dunn launched him for home. Mirage Hanover drew alongside
Captain Albano and zipped away in the final eighth to post a 2-1/2-length win
with Nijinsky emerging off a ground-saving trip for second. Captain Albano
faded to third with Calicojack Hanover finishing fourth and McCrunch taking
fifth.

“He absolutely loves it, just loves to do it,” said trainer
Jake Leamon, who won his first Breeders Crown trophy in just his
second finals appearance. “He’s laid back, easy to jog. Two fingers. Never gets
excited and just goes when you ask him. (Captain Albano) is a really tough
horse. It was going to come right down to it.”

Marvin Rounick owns Mirage Hanover, a Hanover Shoe
Farms-bred colt by Bettor’s Delight out of Mach Three mare Mayhem Seelster. The
colt collected his sixth win from 17 starts this season and his 10th victory
from 26 starts in his career, good for $882,593 in earnings. His 1:48.0 win
matched the record set in 2016 by Racing Hill at the Meadowlands.

Dunn earned
his first trophy in the 3-year-old colt and gelding pace.

Mirage Hanover paid $7.40 to win.