Van Ness Hanover fastest in three series splits

Three $23,000 divisions of the opening round of the Snow Angel Series for 3-year-old filly pacers were contested Thursday night at the Meadowlands, with Van Ness Hanover coming up with speed badge honors among the trio of events. Before Dawn and Sail Away were victorious in the other two Snow Angel splits.

The first division went to Before Dawn, who scored in 1:53.1 for driver Ron Pierce and owner-trainer Peter Kleinhans. The daughter of Cambest won for the fifth time this year as she defeated Get A Cab and Wild Retreat.

The second division went to the Brian Sears-driven Sail Away, who took the lead just after the half and drew clear to a 2 ¼-length victory over longshot Truly Attractive in 1:53. Black Brinny finished third.

The win was the fourth of the year for Sail Away, a daughter of Real Artist trained by Rich Bilach and owned by Michael Talapa.

Van Ness Hanover tripped the teletimer in 1:52.3 to take the third Snow Angel split for driver Eric Goodell and trainer Ross Croghan. Ciela Hanover took second with Western Sweetreat third. Anthony Lombardi owns the daughter of Western Hanover, who has now won half her 14 starts this year.

After a second round of the Snow Angel Series next Thursday, a $50,000 final is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 20.

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