The Championship for 3-year-old colts and geldings saw Spaaaanzano (Aaron Merriman) get to the front from post two, and he was tracked from the pocket by Hung Over. Royal Precedent (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) also had early speed from post seven but wound up parked to the 27 4/5 quarter and would continue to pester Spaaaanzano on the outside through a 56 4/5 half and a 1:25 3/5 three-quarters.
Through the stretch Spaaaanzano was game on the lead and continued to keep the persistent Royal Precedent at bay, but Hung Over dove into the passing lane, and he had just enough time and just enough trot to get by Spaaaanzano at the end of the 1:55 3/5 mile, prevailing by a nose. Royal Precedent turned in a huge mile of his own at 55-1 to get third, just a length behind the top two.
"He shows up every time we race him, and he got the job done tonight," remarked winning trainer Bob Stewart. "We trained his father, so it's even more special. We're partners with Mitchel Skolnick, who is one of my best friends. He bred the horse and was nice enough to let us get in on him. It's been a good ride.
"I was a little worried about going up the inside because he hasn't done that before, and some horses aren't used to going to the inside. Danny didn't have a lot of choice, and the stretch was just long enough."
As Stewart mentioned, Hung Over is a colt by Creatine and was bred by Skolnick's Bluestone Farms. Lynda Stewart co-owns Hung Over, who made his eighth trip to the winner's circle, has now earned $487,933 and paid $7.80 to win as the 5-2 third choice.
--press release (Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)--