Gokudo Hanover gobbled up the leader, Dapper Dude, with a powerful first-over move and went on to pull off a 20-1 shocker in Saturday’s $20,000 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.
Gokudo Hanover’s most recent victory (February 11) came in the same class when he upset at 16-1 by following live cover. On Saturday, he needed no such help. Eric Goodell sent him from sixth, six and a half lengths behind, and the five-year-old Cams Card Shark-Gifted Yankee gelding triumphed convincingly in 1:52.1. Somehow, Dapper Dude kept it together and saved place, one and a half lengths back, with Kingofthejungle third.
Doug Hamilton trains Gokudo Hanover, who now boasts career earnings of $216,877, for Sandbur Farms, Valarie Sutton and Joseph Hemingway.
Mike Wilder piloted three winners, including a pair for trainer Paul Corey, on the 12-race card.
(The Meadows)