from harness publicists across North America

Thursday’s (Aug. 21) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Vernon Downs and Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

Seascape Hanover wins Vernon feature

Vernon, NY — The $10,000 Open Pace feature at Vernon Downs on Thursday night came down to a photo finish that was won by Seascape Hanover (Camluck-Skateboard) in a final time of 1:51.3. The hard-luck runner-up was Ugly Betty (John MacDonald), who had led from the outset of the race.

The fractions were fairly quick with a quarter of :26.1, the half covered in :55.2 and three-quarters in 1:23.2. Ugly Betty showed no signs of fatigue in the stretch though after setting that snappy pace.

Seascape Hanover (Aaron Byron) had a perfect trip in the pocket behind the leader and tipped outside on the far turn. She managed to wear down Ugly Betty through the stretch and just got her nose on the wire in time for the victory. Upfront Secret (Chris Lems) was first-over on the backstretch, but her rally stalled as the field reached the far turn. This forced Asset Management (Fern Paquet Jr.), who was second-over, three-wide. Asset Management still was able to close well enough to finish third.

Seascape Hanover is owned by Tessa Roland and Mark Jakubik. The trainer is Mario Dessureault. The win on Thursday night was the fourth win in the last five starts at Vernon Downs for Seascape Hanover.

— Michael Chamberlain

Saratoga Casino and Raceway
Brussel Sprout (Glidemaster) continued his win streak on Thursday night at Saratoga Casino and Raceway in the evening’s $8,000 featured race. The 5-year-old trotter came in to Thursday’s tilt on a three race win streak and recorded his fourth straight score on the front end in his first start off the claim for trainer Andy Sardella. Brussel Sprout was the public’s 1-5 favorite in the betting and raced like it as he never had an anxious moment en route to the 1:58.3 victory over the ‘off’ track after an evening of rain in the Spa City. Leading driver Billy Dobson piloted Brussel Sprout to the score and added four wins to his already lengthy lead in the driving standings as the 30-year-old reinsman is well on his way to yet another driving title.