by Jason Settlemoir, regional VP of racing operations, Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Vernon Downs will host one of the best race cards ever over the “Miracle Mile” this Thursday night, August 16. Some of the top pacing mares and open trotters in the world will go to the post on the night’s 12-race card beginning at 6:45 p.m. (EDT).

The sixth race on Thursday night features the $154,000 Credit Winner for open trotters, sponsored by New York’s Blue Chip Farm. The small, but mighty, five-horse field includes 2005 Hambletonian winner Vivid Photo (Roger Hammer), Vernon Downs current trotting track record holder Enough Talk (Jim Morrill, Jr.), Man About Town (Yannick Gingras), Self Professed (David Miller) and Elegant Man (Brian Sears).

The field of five has made over $4.5 million in combined lifetime earnings. Vivid Photo has been installed as the 6-5 morning line favorite.

The eighth race on Thursday night’s card features six of the best pacing mares in the world and they will battle it out for $124,000 in the final of the Artiscape, sponsored by Brittany Farms. The field includes Bolero Toki (Daniel Dube), Armbro Dancer (Ron Pierce), Double Dream N (Jim Morrill, Jr.), Ideal Weather (David Miller), Darlin’s Delight (Yannick Gingras) and My Little Dragon (Brian Sears).

The six horse field’s lifetime combined earnings is almost $5 million. The 8-5 morning line favorite is world record holder My Little Dragon and Brian Sears, who will leave from post position six. The Golden Girl winner Armbro Dancer is the 3-1 second favorite, while New York star Darlin’s Delight has been listed at 5-1 on the morning line.

Over $327,000 in purses will be up for grabs at the Central New York track on Thursday.

Vernon’s video gaming facility operates from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday, while its daily simulcast sessions begin at 11:00 a.m.