Sassy Hanover, trained and driven by Claude Huckabone Jr., defeated seven other geldings to capture the co-featured ($7,300) pacing event at Vernon Downs on Sunday (May 14) afternoon.
Golden Gun charged right for the lead and held that advantage before tiring in the stretch. Sassy Hanover, a six-year-old gelding by Cams Card Shark, then forged to the front to hold off the late-charging Pointsman (Todd Frocione) for the victory in 1:51.1. Dragon Fever (John MacDonald) finished third.
Sassy Hanover, who is owned by Dennis and Simone Noud, paid $12.20 for the win.
The Filly Princess (Andy Gardner) used a late move at the top of the stretch to steal the other featured race, which was a pacing event ($7,300) for fillies and mares.
Looney Dune (Ben McNeil) took the lead right out of the gate. Purple N Gold (John MacDonald) followed the filly almost the entire way. At the top of the stretch, The Filly Princess made a late move from fourth. The nine-year-old mare by Bettors Delight was forced three-wide after Purple N Gold came out of the pocket. The Filly Princess nipped Looney Dune just before the wire to win in 1:53.2.
The Filly Princess ($46.60) is owned by Standardbred Ventures Inc. and trained by Gardner. Looney Dune settled for second and Purple N Gold was third.
Vernon Downs will resume live racing on Friday (May 19) at 6:45 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)