Northfield, OH – Sammy Jo Hanover won Saturday’s $125,000 Grade 3 Courageous Lady Stakes at MGM Northfield Park in gate-to-wire fashion. She paced the mile in 1:51.3.
Leaving from the rail at odds of 31-1, Sammy Jo Hanover was put into play early by driver Dan Noble. Odds On Chesapeake (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) also left alertly and was steered into the two-hole when they entered the first turn.
Sammy Jo Hanover led the 3-year-old pacing fillies past the opening quarter in :27.1.
Entering the far turn for the first time, race favorite Rodeo Drive Deo (David Miller) flushed out Time Of The Season (Aaron Merriman).
At the half in a well-rated :56, Sammy Jo Hanover led Time Of The Season by three-quarters of a length.
Up the backstretch, Time Of The Season continued her attack on Sammy Jo Hanover, but Noble continued to forge forward. They arrived at the three-quarters in 1:23.1.
Entering the final turn, Sammy Jo Hanover put away Time Of The Season.
She had fresh competition from Odds On Chesapeake and Rodeo Drive Deo, who began a three-wide bid for the lead, but the Captaintreacherous daughter cruised to a 2-1/4 length victory. Odds On Chesapeake finished second, with Rodeo Drive Deo third.
“I learned a few things about her after the first time I drove her,” said Noble, referring to a second-place finish with Sammy Jo Hanover in the Nadia Lobell on Aug. 23 at Eldorado Scioto Downs. “I wanted to be on the lead, but I was willing to give up the front end if I had to. She’s just been in some tough spots this year.”
The 3-year-old filly, who is owned by Oompa’s Farm Inc. and Joseph Barbera, is trained by Scott DiDomenico. She pushed her career earnings to $248,920 with the victory.