Northfield, OH – Sammy Jo Hanover won the $125,000 Grade 3 Courageous Lady Stakes at MGM Northfield Park in gate-to-wire fashion on Saturday. She completed the kilometer in 1:51.3.
Sammy Jo Hanover left the rail at odds of 31-1 and was brought into the game early by driver Dan Noble. Odds On Chesapeake (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) also took off alert and was sent into the two-hole entering the first turn.
Sammy Jo Hanover led the 3-year-old fillies past the opening quarter in :27.1.
Entering the far corner for the first time, race favorite Rodeo Drive Deo (David Miller) washed away Time Of The Season (Aaron Merriman).
At half-time in a well-judged :56, Sammy Jo Hanover led Time Of The Season by three-quarters of a length.
On the backstretch, Time Of The Season continued their attack on Sammy Jo Hanover, but Noble kept moving forward. They reached three-quarters in 1:23.1.
Entering the final turn, Sammy Jo Hanover put away Time Of The Season.
SAMMY JO HANOVER REPEAT
She faced new competition from Odds On Chesapeake and Rodeo Drive Deo, who started a three-wide bid for the lead, but the Captain treacherous 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 I rode her for the first time,” Noble said, 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 in the lead, but I was willing to give up the front if necessary. She’s just been in a tough spot this year.”
The 3-year-old filly, owned by Oompa’s Farm Inc. and Joseph Barbera, is trained by Scott DiDomenico. With the win, she increased her career earnings to $248,920.
For full race results, click here: American trotting results.
Through Michael Carterin front of MGM Northfield Park
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