Bessie sat patiently through three-quarters before tackling the leader, Goodtogo Hanover, and nailing her in the stretch to capture Tuesday’s $20,000 Filly & Mare Preferred Handicap Trot at The Meadows.
Goodtogo Hanover enjoyed a comfortable :58 opening half, which discouraged any early challenges. But when Tony Hall tipped Bessie off the cones, the six-year-old daughter of Equinox Bi-Cantabs Chorine steadily eroded the margin and downed Goodtogo Hanover by a length in 1:55.1 Princess Pablano was a ground-saving third.
Rick Clapper trains Bessie, who vaulted over $300,000 in career earnings, for Paula Clapper, Umholtz Racing Stable and Kennedy Sports Corp.
Aaron Merriman collected four wins and Hall three on the 13-race card.
(The Meadows)