Vernon, NY — So Diva and driver Steeven Genois popped the pocket to capture the $9,200 Fillies & Mares Open at Vernon Downs on Friday (Aug. 26).

So Amazing (Frank Affrunti) went right to the front and led to the quarter in :27.1 before backing the half down to :56.2 while So Diva continued in the pocket. So Amazing picked up the pace on the far turn, hitting three-quarters in 1:23.3 before So Diva popped out of the pocket turning for home. The 4-year-old So Surreal mare and won easily in a lifetime best of 1:51.3. Dudes Sweet Bet (John MacDonald) rallied late to finish second; So Amazing had to settle for third.

So Diva, favored at 3-2, vaulted from the pocket to win Friday’s top distaff pace at Vernon Downs. Fotowon photo.

So Diva, who paid $5.10 to win, is owned by Morrisville College Foundation Inc. and trained by leading trainer Kerin Warner. It was So Diva’s sixth win this season and her 18th career victory.

Barton Dalious, John MacDonald, Frank Affrunti and Leon Bailey all had driving doubles on the card. George Ducharme had a training double.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (Aug. 27), including a leg of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies. Post time for the 13-race card is 6:05 p.m.

For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.