Three-year-old pacing colt Beren Hanover pulled off a 17-1 surprise while earning his first victory against Open company on Saturday night at Northlands Park.

Trainer Keith Clark drove the son of Rocknroll Hanover to the 1:55.2 victory over a frozen track for partner Robert Jones of Slave Lake, Alta.

Leaving from post five in the featured $9,000 Open, Beren Hanover established the lead over his eight rivals and posted a :28.2 opening quarter. Inside assignee Gable Blue Chip (J.F. Gagne) was not content to sit a pocket trip though and looped the early leader in front of the grandstand. Gable Blue Chip proceeded to the half in :57.3 and three-quarters in 1:26.3, but couldn't hold off Beren Hanover and the late-closers down the stretch. Beren Hanover drew off to win by two lengths with favourite Timberline Court (Gerry Hudon) and Cowboy Caper (Kelly Hoerdt) coming on for second and third.

Beren Hanover earned his fourth win in 20 starts this year and improved his 29-race career record to 8-7-3. He lifetime earnings climbed to $55,542.

Clark drove a total of four winners on the 11-race card, including three of his own trainees. Beren Hanover ($37.20) combined with stablemate Bettor In The Bank ($4.90) to sweep the late Daily Double, which paid $82.90.

The early Daily Double began with first-time winner Nathan Sobey steering the Harold Haining-conditioned Little Bit Faster ($8.20) to an eight and three-quarter length victory in 1:57.3. The Edmonton horseman was making just his fifth start in the sulky. Clark won the second leg with Playbook ($7.30), resulting in a $38.60 early Double payoff.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Northlands Park.