by John Horne, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — First Call (Homer Hochstetler) easily won the $5,500 Vernon Downs featured trot on Thursday (July 26).

Its Chocolate Time (Jimmy Whittemore) went to the lead and led to a first quarter in :28.1. First Call ($6.20) who is trained by Hochstetler for owners Robert Buddig, Allen Schwartz, and Connie Hochstetler, went first-over from third and blew right by and controlled all the rest of the fractions (:57.4, 1:26.1, 1:55). Its Chocolate Time finished second with Deaks Sweetie Pie (Adam Capizzano) getting third money.

First Call is a 3-year-old filly by Credit Winner. She won for the fourth time this season and the fifth time in her career.

Pinky The Intern (Leon Cable) was victorious in the $3,500 Vernon Amateur Driver Club race.

Famous C (Vladimir Melnichenko) put up all the early fractions (:27.3, :57.2, 1:28.2). Pinky The Intern ($3.70) followed in the pocket all the way until just after three-quarters. Owned by Anthony Chiniara and trained by Cable, she popped out of the pocket and flew right by to win in 1:58.1. Son Of Liberty (Homer Hochstetler) was a distant second with Little Big Rigs (Tony Ciuffeltelli) finishing third.

Pinky The Intern is a 6-year-old mare by Pilgrims Taj. It was her second straight win and her 14th career victory.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (July 28) with an 11-race card starting at 6:10 p.m. There is no live racing on Friday due to Wynonna and the Big Noise concert.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.