Vernon, NY – So Diva (Leon Bailey) grabbed the $6,000 fillies & mares feature at Vernon Downs on Friday (Sept. 24).

So Diva and driver Leon Bailey won feature at Vernon Downs on Friday night. Fotowon Photo.

So Diva ($2.20) came flying out of the gate and led to the first quarter in :26.3.  Jericho Diva (Frank Affrunti) came first-up and challenged for the lead down the backstretch.  So Diva held on to a short lead using a :28 second quarter to hit the half first in :54.3.  She was first to three-quarters in :123.1.

As they made the turn for home, she found another gear and scooted away to win in a lifetime best of 1:52.  Jericho Diva held on for second.  WC Kenzie Cookie (Justin Huckabone) finished third.

So Diva is a 3-year-old by filly So Surreal.  Owned by Morrisville College Foundation Inc. and trained by Kerin Warner.  It was her eighth win of the season.  She now has 10 career victories.

Leon Bailey leads all drivers with 107 wins.  Justin Huckabone is second on the list with 63 victories. Jimmy Whittemore is third with 40 trips to the winner’s circle.   Chris Long (34) and John MacDonald (21) round out the top five.

Jeff Sorenson leads all trainers with 30 wins.  Jessica Okusko has 23 victories for second best.  Justin Huckabone is third with 21 wins.  Kerin Warner (20) and George Ducharme (19) round out the top five.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (Sept. 25) with an 11-race card starting at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.