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BETTOR'S WISH, AFLAME HANOVER WIN ELIMS FOR 64TH MESSENGER STAKES

Bettor's Wish (Dexter Dunn), the lone $30,000 supplemental entrant into the second jewel of the Pacing Triple Crown, summarily disposed of his five rivals in a non-wagering elim.

A pole-sitting second early in the $40,000 off-the-card elim, Bettor's Wish took over from American Mercury (Tyler Buter) before a 28-second opening quarter-mile. After a pedestrian, 58-second intermission, Escapetothebeach (Corey Callahan) tried it first-up from fourth.

Bettor's Wish led through a 1:26.1 three-quarters, eventually holding off American Mercury by a half-length in 1:53.2.

Escapetothebeach backed away but held third, with Branquinho (Jason Bartlett) fourth. That quartet goes into next Saturday night's (Aug. 31st) $500,000 finale of the Messenger. Lyons Johnnyjnr (Dan Dube) and Captain Trevor (Jordan Stratton) completed the order.

Bettor's Wish, a Bettor's Delight colt has hit the board in 22-of-23 career tries (13 wins, 7 seconds, 2 thirds, $1,131,600). He now has eight wins and three seconds) in 11 '19 tries ($859,544). Chris Ryder co-owns with Bella Racing, Fair Island Farm, Bettor's Wish Partners and trains.

He was just so great, so easy to drive, Dunn said. I can't wait for next week.

The on the card, $40,000 elim saw Aflame Hanover (Callahan, $6) finish what he started.

From post position No. 3, he never had an issue 27.4, 56.3, 1:24, 1:52, whipping pocketed pole-sitter U S Captain (Bartlett) by a length-and-a-half. Waterway (Joe Bongiorno), paired with the runner-up as the 17-10 wagering choice, was a closing third, while 37-1 rank outsider Reigning Deo (George Brennan) was a ground-saving fourth to advance.

Buddy Hill (Eric Goodell) and Air Force Hanover (Stratton) were fifth and last, respectively.


For second choice Aflame Hanover, a Russell Hanover gelding co-owned by Linda and Tony Schadel, it was his fourth consecutive win in 16 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $17.60, with neither triple nor superfecta wagering offered.

"He was super," Callahan said. "He did everything I asked. His hopple hanger broke, but that didn't bother him."

Saturday's pair of $46,000 Open Handicaps were won by:

Pace, None Bettor A (Bartlett, $2.30) in 1:50.4

Trot, Will Take Charge (Stratton, $8.70) in 1:54.4.




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