by John Horne, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Artful Way (Brett Crawford) takes the Vernon Downs Open Pace ($11,400) on Monday (Sept. 4).

Fotowon photo

Artful Way collects his ninth win this year.

Artful Way (Artistic Fella), would jump out to the lead and go gate-to-wire. The 5-year-old, who is owned by the Kellogg Racing Stables and trained by Jackie Greene, would put up all the fractions of :25.3, :53.4, 1:21.1 and 1:49.0.

JK Panache (Jimmy Whittemore) would follow the whole way to finish second. Oh My Joepa (John MacDonald) would take third.

Artful Way ($3.50) would win for the ninth time this year and for the 29th time in his career.

Leading driver John MacDonald would win four on Monday afternoon. MacDonald won with Manverick ($3.10), Mayflowermoonshine ($3.40), Dragon Fever ($6.40), and Coopers Beach ($2.60)

Vernon Downs returns for live racing on Thursday (Sept. 7), featuring the New York Sire Stakes for freshman trotting colts. Post time is 6:45 p.m.