Vernon, NY – Digging For Gold (Jimmy Whittemore) captures the $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Monday (Sept. 7).
Bluesville (Ron Harp) was first to the opening quarter in :26.1. Digging For Gold ($2.56) made his move heading down the backstretch. He emerged to the half first in a fast :54.0. He flew to three quarters in 1:21.4.
As they reached the stretch second place finisher War Of Will was the only one with a chance but couldn’t get to Digging For Gold, who stopped the clock in 1:50.4. Primo Uomo (Jeff Gregory) was third best.
Digging For Gold is a 4-yearold gelding by Huntsville. He is owned by trainer George Ducharme along with Megan Moschgat, Jim and David Winske. It was his third win this season and his 15th career victory.
Leon Bailey had a driving grand slam, getting wins with Unmatched Wisdom, Hunt Me Down, Major Steel, and Gibby. Chuck Connor Jr., and Gary Gibson had driving doubles. Jack McNeil had a driving-training double. Cher Beaudin got her first career parimutuel driving win with Oakwood Vegas IR.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (September 11) with a post time of 5:05 p.m. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.