Vernon, NY — Digging For Gold (Ron Harp) charged late to grab the $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Oct. 17).
Fear Romeo (Rock Vinci) went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :26.4. He cruised to the half using a :28.4 second quarter to be the first one there in :55.3. Belmont Royale (Chris Long) made the first move going first-up heading around the final turn. Fear Romeo was first to three-quarters in 1:23.4.
As they made the turn for home, it became a free-for-all. Third-place finisher Merrow (Leon Bailey) slipped through on the inside as second-place finisher Belmont Royale came three-wide. Digging For Gold ($3.56) came flying four-wide to swoop the group and win in 1:51.3.
Digging For Gold is a 4-year-old gelding by Huntsville. He is owned by Big Sky Ranch and trained by Harp. It was his fifth win of the season and his 17th career victory.
Leon Bailey, Truman Gale, Chris Long and John MacDonald had driving doubles. Ron Harp had a driving and training double. Jamie Daley had a training double.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (Oct. 23) with a post time of 5:05 p.m