Vernon, NY – Bluesville (Ron Harp) and Merrow (Leon Bailey) finished in a dead heat in the $8,500 featured pace on Friday (Oct. 24) at Vernon Downs.
Merrow ($2.32) got the first call, but Bluesville ($2.54) took over and led to the quarter in :27. He used a :29.1 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.1. Syracuse Express (John MacDonald) came first-up to challenge going around the final turn. Bluesville had a slight lead to three quarters in 1:24.2.
Bluesville had a short lead as they entered the stretch. Merrow slipped through on the inside as the two horses battled side-by-side and hit the line at the same time finishing in a dead heat in 1:52.3. Gold Star Sven (Steeven Genois) finished third.
Bluesville is a 6-year-old gelding by Huntsville. He is owned by Big Sky Ranch and trained by Harp. It was his sixth win this season and his 25th career victory.
Merrow is a 3-year-old colt by Stag Party. He is owned by Suheil Ashkar and trained by Joe Sansone. It was his seventh win this season and his ninth career victory.
Bailey had a driving hat trick. John MacDonald and Joe Nassimos had driving-training doubles.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (Oct. 25) with a post time of 5:05 p.m.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.