by John Horne, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Sassy Hanover trained and driven by Claude Huckabone Jr., would defeat seven other geldings to capture the co-featured ($7,300) pacing event at Vernon Downs on Sunday (May 14) afternoon.

Fotowon photo

Sassy Hanover won the co-featured pacing event at Vernon Downs on Sunday afternoon in 1:51.1.

Golden Gun would charge right for the lead and hold that advantage before tiring in the stretch. Sassy Hanover, a 6-year-old gelding by Cam’s Card Shark , would then forge 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) would use a late move at the top of the stretch to steal the other featured event, which was a pacing event ($7,300) for fillies and mares.

Looney Dune (Ben McNeil) would take the lead right out of the gate. Purple N Gold (John MacDonald) would follow the filly almost the entire way. At the top of the stretch The Filly Princess would make a late move from fourth. The 9-year-old mare by Bettor’s Delight would be forced three-wide after Purple N Gold came out of the pocket. The Filly Princess would nip 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.