by Jim Moran, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Manfinity, who earned acclaim with a triumph in the prestigious Dexter Cup final at New Jersey’s Freehold Raceway on May 12, continued his winning ways with an impressive come-from-behind tally in the $4,725 10th race at Vernon Downs on Thursday night (May 31).

Ruel (Dude) Goodblood, Jr. did the driving for trainer Larry Rathbone and the M and L Of Delaware Stable as Manfinity rallied from sixth at the quarter and third at the top of the stretch to post a 1-1/4 length victory over A Perfect Stranger. In securing his third score in succession, the sophomore son of Malabar Man produced a 1:57.3 clocking that equaled his lifetime mark, while the prize money sent his career earnings to more than $221,700.

“This was just what I was hoping for,” said Rathbone after the race. “I wanted Dude to race him from off the pace and try to finish strong, and that’s what he did. Dude said he was comfortable at the end of the mile and he sure looked it.”

Manfinity’s next start will be in the Nevele Pride eliminations at Monticello Raceway on June 18.

Chuck Connor, Jr. pinned a fresh 1:56.2 speed badge on the Fred Monteleone Stable’s 4-year-old trotter Kid Conway while capturing Thursday’s $6,000 first race.

With Gates Brunet teaming for his wife, Deborah, and Theodore Gewertz, Bookie finished off the early double with a 1:55.1 pacing performance that resulted in a new mark for the 3-year-old filly and the fastest mile of the 12-race card.

Driver Josh Marks secured four wins during the program and now trails Howard Okusko, Jr. 33-26 in the meet’s dash-winning derby.

Trainer Dave Dewhurst harnessed three winners during Thursday’s proceedings, moving to the top of the track’s conditioning chart, and currently holding a 16-15 edge over Lonny Hale.

Okusko and Connor also logged driving doubles during the evening.

Downs Doings: There will be no live harness racing at Vernon this Saturday (June 2) due to a professional bull-riding event (7:00 p.m.), which will also take place on Sunday (2:00 p.m.). The Downs will return to its regular weekly Tuesday (first post 5:00 p.m.), Thursday (6:45 p.m.), and Saturday (6:45 p.m.) schedule on June 5…Vernon’s video gaming facility operates daily from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m., while the track’s simulcast offerings begin each day at 11:00 a.m. and will be in operation this Saturday night.