Vernon, NY – Match My Miracle (Brett Crawford) was the winner of the featured $5,500 trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (Oct. 8).

Match My Miracle and Brett Crawford were the easy winners in the featured $5,500 trot at Vernon Downs on Friday night. Fotowon Photo.

Mr French (Justin Huckabone) took the lead early but Match My Miracle ($5.60) gained control just before hitting the first quarter first in :27.3.  He slowed thing down using a :31 second quarter breather to hit the half in :58.3.   Phoenician (Chris Long) was the first to make a move going first-up around the final turn.  Match My Miracle shook him off and led to three-quarters in 1:28.2.

As they reached the stretch, Mr French went to the inside and Kolin (Leon Bailey) came three-wide.  Match My Miracle was too strong though and won easily by a length-and-a-half in 1:56.2.  Kolin was second best with Mr French getting third money.

Match My Miracle is a 5-year-old gelding by Imagistic.  He is trained by Margaret Spagnola for owners Our Blue Streaks Stable and David Spagnola.  It was his sixth win of the season and the 15th of his career.

Damon Blue Chip (Ben McNeil) came flying late to get his 50th career victory on Friday night.  The 12-year-old gelding by Rocknroll Hanover is owned by Heather Marshall and trained by Jack McNeil.  He paid $14.60 for the win

Justin Huckabone drove four winners on the card.  His wins came with Seven Credits ($5.80), Chicwinner ($4.30),The Big Bankroll ($40), and Siros Blue Chip ($15.20)

Leon Bailey leads all drivers with 111 wins.  Justin Huckabone is second on the list with 73 victories. Jimmy Whittemore is third with 46 trips to the winner’s circle.  Chris Long (38) is fourth.  Frank Affrunti and John MacDonald are tied for fifth with 21 wins.

Jeff Sorenson leads all trainers with 31 wins.  Jessica Okusko and Justin Huckabone are tied for second best with 25 victories.  Kerin Warner (22) and George Ducharme (20) round out the top five.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (Oct. 9) with 10-race card starting at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.