by Nick Salvi, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — After five preliminary legs that began at the Meadowlands on August 2 then wound through Tioga Downs and The Red Mile on their way to Vernon, the Kindergarten Trotting Classic finalists will vie for more than $400,000 in total purses at Vernon Downs on Friday night (Oct. 25).

It is ladies first in the eighth race where Yoga (Muscles Yankee) leads the way for trainer/driver Jimmy Takter from post six. She comes into the race as the point leader off of her four wins in series action, including last week’s Vernon leg. Yoga will attempt to bring the winner’s share of the $206,000 purse home to her owners, Christina Takter and John and Jim Fielding.

The colt division (race nine) is also led by a Takter pupil, as Trixton is at the top of the charts and starts from post two for Jimmy on Friday. From the first crop of Muscle Hill, Trixton was a $360,000 yearling purchase by Brixton Medical Ab and Christina Takter and seeks the biggest payday of his young career in the $217,500 final.

The competition is deep with recent world record setter Outburst leaving from inside Trixton and Southwind Spirit, beaten a short nose in Outburst’s record mile and fourth in the Breeders Crown, leaving from post four.

As the end of the Vernon racing season draws near, fan appreciation is a priority and there are several promotions offered along with the races. Fans will receive a 60th anniversary racing season hooded sweatshirt while supplies last. They can also register to win a snow blower, courtesy of Clinton Tractor. Vernon Downs will also be conducting its Fall Fever Handicapping Contest for on-track guests with a first place prize of $500. Entry is free in the handicapping contest.

Post time is 6:45 p.m. and all the pertinent info is available on the Vernon website.