by Jim Moran, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — The veteran pacer Four One One produced the fastest victory of the fledgling qualifying season at Vernon Downs on Friday morning (April 9).

With Joe Nassimos catch-driving for trainer Wayne Hughes, Four One One toured Vernon’s seven-eighths-mile oval in 1:56.4. The nifty performance in Friday’s first race clipped one-fifth of a second off a winning qualifying effort by the Nassimos-handled pacer Blueridge Betty here last Tuesday evening.

Hughes also received a triumph from the Jim Bailey-teamed pacer The Grey Bullet in Friday’s fifth event.

Qualifying driver Josh Kinney captured two of Friday’s eight races, giving him six after two pre-season practice sessions.

Vernon will begin its 90-card pari-mutuel campaign at 6:55 p.m. on Friday, April 16. The track’s 57th season will continue through November 27.

DOWNS DOINGS: The Downs will present live racing on Friday and Saturday evenings only during its initial three weekends. Thursday programs will be added on May 6…Additional qualifying cards are set for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 13 and Friday, April 16…Additional information regarding the track and its casino can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.