Vernon, NY – Leon Bailey drove five winners including a victory With City Of Hope in the $8,500 Open Trot at Vernon Downs on Saturday (May 9).
City Of Hope ($8.20) was first to the quarter in :26.2. Delayed Hanover (Chris Long) took over control and led to the half in :55.1 and continued to three-quarters in 1:24.3. As the field of six entered the stretch, second-place finisher Delayed Hanover drifted out into the center of the track. City Of Hope then slipped through along the pylons and won going away in 1:54.1. Zapaca (Frank Affrunti) finished third.
City Of Hope is a 6-year-old gelding by Met’s Hall out of the Conway Hall mare Doin The City. He is owned by Philip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst. It is City Of Hope’s third seasonal win and 34th in his career.
Bailey’s other wins came with Triple Sevens, Rockin Nelly, Sunuma Beach, and Bicorne Hanover. Joe Skowyra had a training hat trick, while Gary Gibson scored a training double.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (May 15) with a post time of 5:05 p.m. For more information visit www.vernondowns.com.