Vernon, NY – City Of Hope (Jeff Gregory) captured the $7,500 featured Kenny Schultz Jr. Memorial Trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (Aug. 22).
Kinnder Hotblood (Jimmy Whittemore) led to the quarter in :26.2. She used a :29 second quarter to be first to the half in :55.2. Zapaca (Frank Affrunti) came first-up to challenge going around the final turn. Kinnder Hotblood was first to three-quarters in 1:25.
As they reached the stretch, City Of Hope ($3.30) came flying three-wide and blew right on by to win in a lifetime best of 1:53.2. Communion Money (Ron Harp) was second best. What A Mission (Michael Miller) finished third.
City Of Hope is a 5-year-old gelding by Met’s Hall. He is owned by Phillip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst. It was his sixth win this season and his 29th career victory.
Ron Harp and Jimmy Whittemore had driving doubles. David Dewhurst had a training double.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (Aug. 23) with a post time of 5:05 p.m.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.