Lou’s Pearlman captures Progress Pace elimination

November 18, 2021, by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

Dover, DE — Lou’s Pearlman won Wednesday’s $35,000 single elimination of the Progress Pace, overtaking Abuckabett Hanover in the stretch and holding off fast-closing stablemate Southwind Gendry to score by a neck in 1:49.2 at Dover Downs.

Following Lou’s Pearlman, Southwind Gendry, and Abuckabett Hanover across the line to be in the top eight and advance to the $310,000 final on Nov. 24 were, in order, Charlie May, Rockyroad Hanover, Chase H Hanover, Virgo, and Hellabalou.

The top seven finishers were separated by two lengths.

Hellabalou led the field to an opening quarter in :26.3 before Lou’s Pearlman and Abuckabett Hanover exchanged the lead prior to a :53.4 half. Abuckabett Hanover remained on top up the backstretch but faced sustained pressure from Charlie May, who started from post 10 in the second tier, as they hit three-quarters in 1:20.4.

In the stretch, Lou’s Pearlman scooted through on the inside to get by Abuckabett Hanover and fend off Southwind Gendry, who closed quickest of all with a :27.4 final quarter as he rallied from eighth.

Lou’s Pearlman was driven by Yannick Gingras for trainer Ron Burke and owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Elizabeth Novak, and Howard Taylor. The homebred son of Sweet Lou-Lucy’s Pearl has won eight of 18 races this year and $568,719. For his career, he has 13 victories in 29 starts and $768,013.

Sent off as the 3-2 favorite, Lou’s Pearlman paid $5.00 to win.