Anadarko Hanover and Bordeaux Nourrir captured the other divisions of the event, also known as the Meadow Cheer Stakes. Dave Palone fashioned a driving double in the stakes with Anadarko Hanover and Bordeaux Nourrir.

Chris Gooden

Sammy's Magic Girl (7) prevailed in a thrilling stretch duel

Entering the stakes off a disappointing sixth place finish in a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes leg at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Sammy’s Magic Girl left alertly for Brett Miller, but had to wait patiently for room until the lane. The daughter of Western Hanover--LT’s Magic drew even with All Heart Gal in the last few strides, and shoved her nose in front to score in 1:54.4, a career-best. Hokie Spirit was a rallying third.

The dueling leaders were so close that the judges reviewed the stretch drive for possible interference, but did not disturb the order.

“We did lock wheels past the wire,” Miller said. “When we hit the wire, we were wheel-to-wheel. Honestly, I drove her absolutely horribly last week. I stirred her up for the first quarter, let a guy go and found myself locked-in and shuffled. I’m glad things worked out tonight.”

Bill Popfinger trains Sammy’s Magic Girl and owns with George Muzea.

Anadarko Hanover broke stride in her two most recent races; she turned her maiden-breaking victory in the Meadow Cheer into yet another adventure, bearing out in the straightaways and threatening repeatedly to gallop.

“She has so much more talent than she’ll give you,” Palone said. “I nearly lost her three or four times. It was nip and tuck. She’s falling down the whole way. But believe me, she can go. I think she’ll make a good 3-year-old.”

Such is the ability of the daughter of The Panderosa--Artaffection that she still prevailed on the lead in 1:55, 1-1/4 lengths better than Sand Gesture, with Hokie Heart third. Steve Elliott trains Anadarko Hanover for Black Horse Racing.

Bordeaux Nourrir floated to the front as the 1-9 favorite, worked out comfortable fractions and won handily, in 1:55.1. Say So was three-quarter lengths back in second, with Farouche Hanover third.

“She got a nice breather there, and she’s just a professional,” Palone said. “She drives like an aged horse. I’ve loved her from day one. She hasn’t gone a bad race since she started racing.”

Ron Burke trains the daughter of Western Hanover--Latte Lady, who has been no worse than third in all seven of her career starts, for George Leon Stables.

In the $27,500 Fillies and Mares Preferred Handicap trot, Hidden Viggorish proved once again that even post position eight is no handicap for her, as she triumphed in 1:54.1 for her ninth victory in 20 2009 outings. Tom’s OK Lady was two lengths back, in second, with Whybabywhy third. Brian Zendt drove Hidden Viggorish, a 6-year-old daughter of SJ’s Caviar--Tia Maria, for trainer Bill Zendt and Harmony Spring Stable.