Star Track Hanover and Unusual Clarity won the co-features at Vernon Downs on Friday, May 26.
Star Track Hanover (pictured above) and driver Dylan Huckabone-Miller wore down the favoured Debs Prince Hall (Frank Affrunti) to win the featured $6,500 trot.
Debs Prince Hall led the group through fractions of :27.3, :56.4 and 1:26. As they reached the stretch, Star Track Hanover popped the pocket and battled Debs Prince Hall all the way down the lane. Star Track Hanover used a late burst to win in 1:56.2 by a quarter of a length. Debs Prince Hall had to settle for second while Cash N Chrome (Barton Dalious) finished third.
Star Track Hanover is a seven-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven. He is owned and trained by Susanne Lopez. The win was his first of the season in four attempts and he now has 17 career victories. Star Track Hanover paid $7.70 to win as the second wagering pick.
Unusual Clarity split through rivals late to capture the $6,500 featured fillies and mares pace for trainer/driver Ron Harp.
Won Surreal Deal (Barton Dalious) led to the quarter in :28.2 then Abuelita Hanover (Jimmy Whittemore) brushed his way to be alongside near the half. Won Surreal Deal continued to lead at the half in :57.3 and to three-quarters in 1:25. As the field made the turn for home, Lorrie Sue (Frank Affrunti) popped the pocket and challenged Won Surreal Deal for the lead, but Unusual Clarity squeezed through them both to notch the victory in 1:54.4 by a quarter of a length. Won Surreal Deal held on for second and Cruizin The Night (Chris Long) came up to finish third. The favourite, So Diva (Leon Bailey), finished fifth.
Unusual Clarity is an eight-year-old Betterthancheddar mare owned by Nicholas Gibides. The win was her fourth of the season from six starts and she now has 29 career victories. Unusual Clarity paid $10.40 to win as the 4-1 third choice.
Live racing resumes at Vernon Downs on Saturday with a 10-race card starting at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)