Vernon, NY – John MacDonald guided both Pearl Washing Tan and Capt Jack Hanover to wins in the $7,500 co-features at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Aug. 23).
J-Mac and Pearl Washing Tan ($8.50) went gate-to-wire in the featured pace for fillies and mares. Pearl Washing Tan charged to the front and led to the quarter in :26.3. She used a :28.2 second quarter to be first to the half in :55 and cruised to three-quarters in 1:23.2.
As they reached the stretch, second-place finisher Unusual Clarity (Ron Harp) popped out of the pocket and went all out after the leader, but Pearl Washing Tan was too strong and won in a lifetime best of 1:51.4. The Hunt Is On (Chris Long) finished third.
Pearl Washing Tan is a 5-year-old mare by Huntsville. She is owned by Peter Gentile Jr. and trained by Joe Sansone. It was her sixth win this season and 11th career victory.
MacDonald and Capt Jack Hanover ($13.20) charged late to capture the featured pace.
Prospectors Gold (Chris Long) was first to the quarter in :27.2 and first to the half in :57.1. Bettors Donttell (Brad Irvine) came first-up to challenge going around the final turn. Prospectors Gold was first to three-quarters in 1:26. As they entered the stretch, Capt Jack Hanover came flying three-wide and brushed on by to win in 1:53.1. Prospectors Gold and Bettors Donttell landed in a dead heat for second.
Capt Jack Hanover is a 7-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous. He is owned by Michael Kessler, Speed To Burn Racing, and trainer John MacDonald. It was his 13th win this season. He now has 36 career victories.
MacDonald had a driving hat trick and a training double.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Aug. 29) with a post time of 3 p.m.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.