Big upset in $125,000 Grade 3 Courageous Lady Stakes

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 harness racing 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.

SAMMY JO HANOVER REPLAY

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.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Michael Carter, for MGM Northfield Park