Vernon, NY – American Power became the fastest trotter ever at Vernon Downs on Sunday night (July 19) as he captured the $300,000 Grade 2 Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Open Trot for 3-year-olds in 1:50.
Nix Nacken (driven by Dexter Dunn) left from post 8 and worked to a first-quarter lead in :26.3. He used a :29 second quarter to be first to the half in :55.3. American Power (James MacDonald) exploded first-up as they headed around the final turn and led to three-quarters in 1:23.1.
As they entered the stretch, Nix Nacken and American Power continued to battle. American Power pulled away but had to brace for a late charge from Diabolic Hill (Todd McCarthy). American Power remained a length clear at the finish, with Diabolic Hill second and Nix Nacken third.
The previous track record of 1:50.3 was set by Atlanta in 2018.
American Power is a 3-year-old colt by Walner. He is owned by M Biasuzzi Stable Inc. and trained by Marcus Melander. It was his fourth win in six starts this season. He paid $7.18 to win.
Melander-trained Setyoursightshigh (Dexter Dunn) won the $139,000 Grade 2 Zweig Memorial Filly Trot, besting Leading Lady by a neck in 1:51.4.
Leading Lady (Matt Kakaley) led the pack to the first quarter in :26.4. Soon after that, Setyoursightshigh took control and led to the half in :55.4. Madam Cheval (Tim Tetrick) made the first move going first-over around the final turn. Setyoursightshigh was first to three quarters in 1:24.3.
Third-place finisher Madam Cheval went outside, and second-place finisher Leading Lady went inside. Leading Lady kept coming but Setyoursightshigh dug in and won a thriller in a lifetime best of 1:51.4.
Setyoursightshigh, a 2025 Dan Patch Award winner, is a 3-year-old filly by In Range. She is owned by Heights Stable, Mantorp LLC, AMG Stable, and K Kjellgren Livs AB Inc. It was her second win of the season and her ninth career victory. She paid $10.62 to win.
Vernon also played host to four divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for freshman pacers.
Trainer Noel Daley and driver Todd McCarthy swept both divisions for 2-year-old colts and geldings, winning with Man On A Hunt ($37.68) in the $59,100 first division and with Beatle Blue Chip ($15.36) in the $60,200 second division.
Man On A Hunt is a 2-year-old gelding by Huntsville-Colorful Virgin. He is owned by Patricia Stables, Allister Stables, Noel Daley, Joe Sbrocco & JAF Racing. It was his first career win, stopping the clock in 1:53.1.
Beatle Blue Chip is a 2-year-old colt by Huntsville-Twinkle In Hereye. He is owned by Patricia Stables, L A Express Stable, FAC Racing, and Sjoblom Racing & M Dolan. His first career win came in 1:53.
Cowboy Candy (Jason Bartlett) took the $60,200 first division for fillies. The So Surreal-Caviart Elena filly is owned by Chain Lightning Stables LLC and trained by Aaron Lambert. It was her third career win, in a lifetime best 1:54.3. She paid $3.14 for the win.
Fendilicious (Bartlett) won the $59,100 second division. The Huntsville-Brooklyn Lilacs filly is owned by Michael Rosenthal, Kareo Stable, and Donald MacRae and is trained by Deborah Daguet. She set a new lifetime mark with her second career win in a sizzling 1:51.2. She paid $15.60 for the win.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Thursday (July 23) with a post time of 5:05 p.m. (EDT).
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.