Toby Roth's Sassy Hound upped his lifetime record to 13
for 25 with a commanding performance in Saturday's $50,000 Dave's Friend Stakes at Laurel Park.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.(Chart, Equibase)