Vernon, NY – Digging For Gold (Ron Harp) captures the $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Oct. 24).
Natameri (Jacquavyian Carter) went straight to the front and led to the first quarter in :26.2. He slowed things down with a :29.2 second quarter to be first to the half in :55.4. Belmont Royale (Chris Long) came first-up to challenge for the lead heading around the final turn. Natameri was first to three quarters in 1:23.1.
As they made the turn for home third place finisher Belmont Royale took the lead, as second place finisher Mirragon A (John MacDonald) came three-wide but Digging For Gold ($4.86) came flying four-wide like he was shot out of a cannon and flew on by to win in 1:51.0.
Digging For Gold is a 4-year-old gelding by Huntsville. He is owned by the Big Sky Ranch and trained by Harp. It was his sixth win of the season and his 18th career victory.
John MacDonald and Leon Bailey had driving hat tricks. Jimmy Whittemore had a driving double. Michelle Warner, David Dewhurst, and John MacDonald had training doubles.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Oct. 30) with a post time of 5:05 p.m.