Nebble Hanover, Prom Queen to square off in Vallandingham Memorial

Nebble Hanover (Well Said) and Prom Queen (Little Steven), both dominating winners in their two starts at the meet, figure to get most of the attention in Sunday evening’s (Dec. 11) $20,000 Bill Vallandingham Memorial for pacing fillies and mares.

The Vallandingham headlines a 10-race card presented by Watch and Wager LLC that will also feature the $12,500 Joe Lighthill Memorial Trot that has lured the likes  of Silverhill Volo, Pridecrest and Mandeville. First post is set for 4:55 p.m.

There is a carryover of $13,380 in the 20-cent Pick 5 on races 6 through 10 featuring a reduced 16 percent takeout rate and there is a $50,000-guaranteed gross pool.

Nebble Hanover has taken Cal Expo by storm since arriving from Ohio for owner/trainer/driver Chip Lackey, including a romping score at 1-9 in her elimination.

A 4-year-old, she captured the Filly and Mare Open in her first appearance, then looked every bit the overwhelming favorite when she was parked to the lead at the quarter and went on to a seven and one-half length romp for Lackey.

Prom Queen looms the main rival as she also comes into the feature with back-to-back wins to start the meet. The dark-hued mare goes about her business for owner Robin Clements, trainer Quentin Schneider and will once again have the services of Mel Mullet.

She accounted for a Distaff Open II contest at 20-1 on opening week, then was the 7-5 chalk in her elimination last weekend and came storming from double digits off the pace to prevail by a length and three-quarters.

Completing the field are Muffin Top, Sweet Young Thing, Kiss On The Lips, Johnny’s Gal Jane, Blue Star Mystic, Dilly Dilly Time, Uniquerock and Alwaysalittlemore.

The Lighthill brings out three of the top trotters of the last few years here, including track-record holder Pridecrest.

Mel Mullet has come a long way in a short time

Mel Mullet is off to a fast start at this meet, reaching the winner’s circle with 12 of his first 43 drives while currently finding himself sitting atop the standings.

Mullet is scheduled to be in the sulky seven times on Sunday’s program, including behind the highly regarded Prom Queen in the Bill Vallandinghm Memorial Pace.

The 28-year-old Wisconsin native was exposed to the trotters and pacers from as far back as he can remember courtesy of his father Noah, who owned them.

“I knew it was something I always wanted to do, and I got a great education working with Chris Frendzel back home and Quentin Schneider here and at Running Aces.” Mullet explained.

Mel got his “P” license a year and a half ago in Minnesota and hit paydirt in his 15th drive back in February when he guided Dance Traveler to a 16-1 upset here for Schneider.

“I’ve never had a feeling like that,” said Mullet. “He was the longest shot on the board and I just took him back and hoped to get a trip.”

Prom Queen should have a big say in the $20,000 Vallandingham as she has started off the meet with back-to-back solid victories with Mulllet guiding. They seem to make an excellent team and should be in prime stalking mode this weekend.

For complete Sunday race entries, click here.

by Mark Ratzky, for Cal Expo Harness