SOIREE HANOVER USPETS, SIG SAUER SWAMPS RIVALS IN NEW JERSEY CLASSICS

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- September 8, 2023 -- Soiree Hanover upset her foes and favorite Sig Sauer commanded his field as each won a New Jersey Classic Final for their divisions Friday night (Sept. 8), at The Meadowlands.

In the first $275,000 final, two-year-old filly trotter Soiree Hanover did not get a call until driver Tim Tetrick powered her five wide in the stretch to win in 1:53.1.

From the :27.1 first quarter through the 1:25 third panel, favorite Chaparmbro led the field. Walcango, Warrawee Michelle and Miss I LA lined up behind her, chasing with no particular threat.

Soiree Hanover watched a few closers on the inside line up in attempts to pass Chaparmbro, but still appeared to be out of contention. Then after the second turn, Buy A Round and Warrawee Michelle aimed their strides at Chaparmbro down the center of the track, but Soiree Hanover soared five wide and floated by the favorite by a neck at the wire in a lifetime-best win of 1:53.1. Chaparmbro finished second and Buy A Round was third. 

Lucas Wallin trains Soiree Hanover, a daughter of Walner. Snogarps Gard Inc. owns the winner. She has now earned $192,425 and paid $14.80 to win.

“The first quarter helped us a bit,” Wallin said, but said he didn’t give Tetrick any specific ideas on how to get the best from the filly. “She started very good [this year] and hasn’t done anything wrong.” He also said “She won over a couple of the best [in her division]” and he was looking forward to making it to the Breeders Crown.

Undefeated Sig Sauer was a huge favorite over eight others in the 2-year-old colt and gelding trot final (Poof Of Record scratched), and the son of Muscle Hill never gave up ground once on the lead to win the $275,000 mile in 1:53.3.

Driver Andrew McCarthy was best in the early shuffling as the colts left the gate. G O A T rolled toward the lead and Mr Grant took it over before giving it up to Mosquito, small contests that were moot once Sig Sauer lifted first over to pass them all after a :28.2 first panel.

On the lead, the Noel Daley-trained colt began his trouncing, cutting the half in :57 and three-quarters in 1:26, bothered by none and expanding to three lengths the best as he flew over the last strip of ground and won, equaling his best of four wins with another 1:53.3 victory. Mosquito was best of the rest getting the place spot, beaten a length, and Mr Grant hustled to take the show spot. 

Patricia Stable, Joe Sbrocco, JAF Racing and Caviart Farms own Sig Sauer, who paid $3.80 to win.

Noel Daley said Sig Sauer was “very strong tonight,” adding that he learned to be a great trotter because “it took a while [before his first race] to get his gait going.” Once that was not no longer an issue “he gives only what he needs to give” and has not lost yet.

Daley said he wants to bring him back next year and aim for The Hambletonian. Sig Sauer has now earned $279,500 as he heads to The Red Mile and hopes to score in the Breeders Crown.