Vernon, NY — The Hunt Is On (Frank Affrunti) captured the $6,500 featured fillies and mares pace at Vernon Downs on Thursday (Aug. 20).
Unusual Clarity (Ron Harp) was first to the quarter in :26.4. She slowed things down with a :30.1 second quarter and led to the half in :57. Whoa Black Betty (John MacDonald) came first-up to challenge heading around the final turn. Unusual Clarity was first to three-quarters in 1:26.4.
As they reached the stretch, third-place finisher Whoa Black Betty took over the lead. Second-place finisher Girl Nellie (Joe Nassimos) came flying on the outside as The Hunt Is On ($24.14) slipped through on the inside to win by a nose in 1:55.1.
The Hunt Is On is a 7-year-old mare by Huntsville owned by Devan Flood and trained by Gary Gibson. It was her second win this season and her 23rd career victory.
Affrunti and Dylan Huckabone-Miller had driving doubles. Jacquavyian Carter had a driving and training double.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (Aug. 22) with a post time of 5:05 p.m. For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.