Vernon, NY – Bluesville (Ron Harp) and Helphasarrived (Claude Huckabone Jr.) captured the co-features at Vernon Downs on Saturday (June 28).
Bluesville rallies late to grab the $7,500 featured pace.
Capt Jack Hanover (John MacDonald) was first to the quarter in :27. He used a :29.1 second quarter to control the half in :56.1. Excursion (Leon Bailey) was first to challenge going around the final turn. Capt Jack Hanover was first to three-quarters in 1:24.2.
There were three across the track as they raced in the stretch. Bluesville ($10.60) found an opening by the pylons and forged on by to win in 1:52.3. Capt Jack Hanover had to settle for second money. Major Leaguer (Jimmy Whittemore) finished third.
Bluesville is a 6-year-old gelding by Huntsville. He is owned by the Big Sky Ranch and trained by Harp. It was his second win this season. He now has 21 career victories.
Longshot Helphasarrived came on late to shock the field and win the $7,500 featured trot.
Zapaca (Frank Affrunti) flew out of the gate and led to the quarter in :27.2. He cruised to the half in :56.1. Discus Hanover (Leon Bailey) came first-up to challenge as they headed around the final turn. Zapaca was first to three-quarters in 1:25.2.
As they reached the stretch Helphasarrived came flying like he was shot out of a cannon. He just got by second-place finisher Zapaca to win in 1:56.1. Century Invader (John MacDonald) finished third.
Leon Bailey had a driving grand slam. He won with Rockadoodledoo, Mafalda, Wellsze J, and Twin B Kingston.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Thursday (July 3) featuring The Zweig Memorial Trot races with a post time of 5:05 p.m. (EDT). Fireworks follow live racing.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.