Fresh off a win over upper-level conditioned company, Robert Orr's Barbarian ($4.30) accelerated off the far turn en route to a 1:52 victory in Saturday (October 10) evening's $7,000 harness racing pacing feature at Vernon Downs.
The 4-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding took no involvement in the early pace, last of the sextet through a :56.1 half mile as 1.6-1 second choice Sassy Hanover (John MacDonald) controlled the early terms. On approach to the far turn, Greg Merton angled Barbarian first-over, and the pair steadily advanced through the entire turn. After reaching the three-quarter point in 1:25, Sassy Hanover failed to repel the challenge of Barbarian, who struck the front in the final eighth and subsequently held clear of a late bid from Shock N Rock (Justin Huckabone) by 1-1/4 lengths. Sassy Hanover faded to third after giving way.
Barbarian, trained by Edgar "Sparky" Clarke, posted a :26.2 final quarter over fast going to cap his successful first-over bid.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Wednesday (October 14) evening, with the first of nine races due off at 6:45 p.m. Eastern time.
by James Witherite, Vernon Downs