Aries Angel displayed fast form in winning Thursday night’s $9,500 feature, while the trotter Ziegler Hanover became the first three-time winner of the year at Vernon Downs

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Competing against seven speedy rivals in this week’s Open for female pacers, Aries Angel ($9.80) challenged for the lead off the starting gate, took command after the quarter, and then forged a one-length victory in Thursday’s tenth race.

Trainer Rick Plano was in the sulky as the five-year-old daughter of Western Ideal-Aries Conquest collected her fifth season’s score and 18th lifetime tally. Rick’s wife, Maryann, owns the career-winner of more than $124,500.

The win was one of two during Thursday’s 11-race card for Plano, who was the runner-up in races won on last year’s driving and training charts at the Downs.

The gritty claimer Ziegler Hanover ($4.70) extended his local winning streak to three-in-a-row with a solid 1:56.3 score in a $5,200 assignment. Chris Lems drove for trainer and part-owner Dave Dewhurst as the seven-year-old son of Andover Hall-Xqsmwa improved his current record to three wins and a second-place finish after four outings. Anthony R. Farina shares ownership of the 14-time career winner, who sports more than $224,500 in lifetime winnings.

(Vernon Downs)