Vernon, NY — Docdor Friskie and trainer-driver John MacDonald captured the featured $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Sept. 21).
Docdor Friskie ($6.60) flew off the gate and led to the quarter in :26.3. He used a :29.2 second quarter to be first to the half in :56. He cruised to three-quarters in 1:24. As they reached the stretch, The Bird Dance N (Truman Gale) popped the pocket and Syracuse Express (Adam Capizzano) came three-wide after the leader. Docdor Friskie dug in and won in 1:51.4. Syracuse Express finished second. The Bird Dance N was third.
Docdor Friskie is a 11-year-old gelding by Feeling Friskie owned by Miller Racing Stable.
Steeven Genois had a driving grand slam, winning with Sunny Sicily, Awards Night, Rub Me and Samsun Of A Beach (in a dead heat with Unusual Clarity).
Live racing returns to Vernon on Friday (Sept. 27) starting at 6:05 p.m. For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.