Jockey Horatio Karamanos determined to have Sassy Hound, a 5-year-old son of Deerhound, press the pacesetter Rusty Spur from the get-go. They pushed the leader into the turn, then powered by to get the lead and drive to victory, 1-1/4 lengths clear of Deer Run, who rallied to reach second. Rusty Spur finished third.

The winner paid $6.40 and completed the six-furlong distance in a spiffy 1:09.34 over a fast main track.

Sassy Hound won five of 11 starts in 2001, but the Maryland-bred was just one for three this year before winning.