Vernon, NY — First Call and Homer Hochstetler took the $7,000 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (August 2).

First Call held off a host of challengers to win Friday’s trotting feature at Vernon Downs. Fotowon photo.

Alex The Great (John MacDonald) went to the lead and controlled early fractions of :26.4, :57 and 1:26.3. First Call angled out from fifth and advanced first-over to challenge just before the three-quarter mark. Only Passing Thru (Jimmy Whittemore) found an opening by the pylons in the stretch, but First Call — who reached the lead in deep stretch — was not to be denied, winning in 1:55.3.

Only Passing Thru finished second, while Bill’s Man (John Butenschoen) came on late to finish third.

First Call is a 4-year-old Credit Winner mare trained by Hochstetler for owners Robert Buddig, Connie Hochstetler and Allen Schwartz. She won for the fourth time this season and now owns 12 career victories.

John MacDonald drove four winners on the night, combining with trainer Jody Weidman for wins with Mr French ($42.20) and East To Cincy ($5.30). His other two wins came with Expo ($4.60) and Gimme The Cash ($14.60).

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (August 3) with a 10-race card starting at 6:10 p.m.