by Jim Moran, for Vernon Downs

VERNON, NY – Amy’s Dreamboat and Winner’s Star K were the featured equine performers, while driver Chuck Connor, Jr. also earned kudos during Friday night’s (April 27) 11-race harness program at Vernon Downs.

Taking advantage of a fast track before heavy rain set in, Amy’s Dreamboat captured the week’s $8,500 main event for female pacers, while Winner’s Star K had to endure sloppy conditions while scoring an upset victory in the $8,500 headliner for the top trotters on the grounds.

Connor, one of Vernon’s top race-winners during last fall’s 30-night meet, not only achieved his first local tally of 2007, but added three more first-place finishes before his seven sulky efforts ended for the evening.

A Monticello ship-in, Amy’s Dreamboat gained the lead early in the first race and was never headed en route to a three length triumph, her fourth of 2007. The 1:53.3 clocking was the fastest of the evening and a win record for the quick-footed 5-year-old mare, which pushed her lifetime winnings past the $62,000 plateau. Josh Marks drove for trainer Dustin Miller and the Cookie N Mo Stables, Inc.

Winner’s Star K had Joe Nassimos at the controls in the 10^th test as he splashed along in fourth while Tallamore stayed in command until the head of the stretch. In the final furlong, Lew Miller’s 6-year-old high-stepper was far and away the liveliest performer, striding to a two length tally in 1:59. It marked the first trip to the winner’s circle in four current appearances for the 6-year-old son of American Winner, who raised his lifetime earnings to more than $40,000.

DOWNS DOINGS—In posting a 1:58.3 victory behind Wayne Worden’s pacer SOS MacKenna, Howard Okusko, Jr. tied Brian Allen at 839 as the leading drivers of horses winning in 2:00 or faster during Vernon’s 54-year history.