by Michael Chamberlain, Vernon Downs publicity

Vernon, NY — Friday night (July 4) saw the first leg of the Racing Under Saddle Series at Vernon Downs.

The five-horse field competed in a non-wagering exhibition race and the easy winner was Tymal Oh So Nice (Striking Sahbra-Tymal Abracadabra).

Fotowon photo

Tymal Oh So Nice was a 2:02.4 winner for Heather Reese.

Tymal Oh So Nice (Heather Reese) took the lead immediately after the starting gate opened and was never really challenged throughout the remainder of the race, winning handily in 2:02.4.

It certainly appears that Tymal Oh So Nice is comfortable under saddle. He had also shown good form in a Racing Under Saddle qualifier on July 1, winning by seven lengths and covering the distance that day in 2:00.3. Tymal Oh So Nice is owned by Ronald MacDonald and Valerie Blackmore. Ronald MacDonald is also the trainer.

Sundowner Bob broke stride at the start and never got back trotting, so while he finished second, he ended up being placed fifth for being off-stride throughout the event.

The complete order of finish for the first leg of the Racing Under Saddle Series was Tymal Oh So Nice, Vassar Hall, Armbro Doyle, My Irish Molly, and Sundowner Bob.

The second leg of the Racing Under Saddle Series at Vernon Downs will take place on August 16, with the final coming on August 29.

Upfront Secret (The Panderosa-Sweet Reflection) rallied in the stretch to get the victory in the $6,500 featured race at Vernon Downs on Friday night.

Upfront Secret (Truman Gale) was apparently in a tough game of catch-up as Kylers Valentine (Rick Plano) rallied to a four length lead at the top of the stretch, but as the race continued Kylers Valentine appeared to tire slightly through the lane. This gave Upfront Secret the opportunity to storm to victory on the outside in a final time of 1:53.3. The favorite, Bad Girl Vegas (Fern Paquet Jr.), finished third after her attempt to catch the leader fell a bit short.

Upfront Secret is owned by Ross Bonafield and trained by Robert Gale.

The complete order of finish was Upfront Secret, Kylers Valentine, Bad Girl Vegas, Got The Munchies, Table Games, Sweet Bettor, Mighty Nice, and That’s My Dream.