Noble Decision best in Owners Appreciation Sprint

Noble Decision pulled clear by 2 1/4 lengths over Kim's Gem to win the $40,000 Owners Appreciation Sprint at Delta Downs on Saturday night. It was another 1 3/4 lengths back in third to favorite Believe Im Special.

Noble Decision ($14.80) raced in fourth early in the five furlong race, as Honey Hit set fractions of 22.14 seconds for the opening quarter, and 45.96 seconds for the half-mile mark. Noble Decision advanced on the turn, and covered the distance, over a fast track, in 58.93 seconds. Kirk LeBlanc rode the winner for trainer Chad Hassenpflug.

Noble Decision earned $24,000 for the win, which was his fifth in 13 career starts. He has career earnings of $103,428 and races for Budlon Stables. The Owner Appreciation was restricted to horses who had started in an overnight race this meet at Delta.