Vernon, NY — Barton Dalious padded his lead atop the Vernon Downs driving colony with four winners on Friday (July 28), including a 1:56.2 score in the $7,500 featured trot with Lepanto ($4.70).

Lepanto went to the front and led to the quarter in :27.4 before yielding to Makadushin N Cheez (John MacDonald) heading for the backstretch. Makadushin N Cheez led through middle fractions of :57 and 1:27 before Lepanto re-emerged to challenge for the lead turning for home. He took over control in deep stretch and held off a late charge from second place finisher Poker Play (Steeven Genois). Majestic Sunset (Jack McNeil) finished third.

Lepanto rallied from the pocket and found the winning post in time to cap a driving grand slam for Barton Dalious on Friday at Vernon Downs. Fotowon photo.

Lepanto is a 5-year-old gelding by Bar Hopping owned by the Betcha Win Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson. It was his fifth win this season. He now has 16 career victories.

Dalious added two of his four wins with trainer Gary Gibson, who won three races on the card. Dalious got his other win with Cenalta Call Girl.

Barton Dalious leads all drivers with 45 wins. John MacDonald is in second with 41 tallies. Frank Affrunti and Jimmy Whittemore are tied for third with 30 victories, and Steeven Genois (28) rounds out the top five.

Michelle Warner leads all trainers with 27 wins. Claude Huckabone III is second 19 with trips to the winner’s circle. Jeff Sorenson is third with 18 wins. David Dewhurst and Gary Gibson each have 15 wins to round out the top five.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 29) with a 10-race card starting at 6:05 p.m. For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.