Vernon, NY – Matthews Rita (Leon Bailey) captures the featured $5,500 fillies & mares’ pace on Friday (April 25).
Kissapotomas (Dustin Miller) led to the quarter in :26.4. She used a :29.3 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.2. Matthews Rita ($20.40) made her move first-over going around the final turn. She led to three-quarters in 1:25.1.
As they reached the stretch Matthews Rita turned on the burners and won in 1:53.1. Kissapotomas had to settle for second. Ideal Entry (Dylan Huckabone-Miller) finished third.
Matthews Rita is a 5-year-old mare by Dali. She is trained by Gary Gibson for owners Robert and Karen Costello. It was her first win this season. She now has six career victories.
Leon Bailey drove three winners on the card. Jimmy Whittemore had a driving double. David Dewhurst and TJ Miller had training doubles.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (April 26) with a post time of 5:05 p.m. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.