by Jim Moran, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Fox Ridge Connor saved the best for last during Friday morning’s (April 11) eight-race qualifying program at Vernon Downs.

With Jimmy Whittemore doing the teaming for his dad, trainer Dennis Whittemore, and the Fox Ridge Stables, Fox Ridge Connor recorded a 1:59.3 triumph during the rainy day’s final event.

Leaving from the outside eight post on a sloppy track, the able ambler drafted along in second until the half, then powered to the front and rolled to a convincing 5-1/2 length victory over Cash In Your Chip (Leon Bailey).

The win was one of three during the card for driver Whittemore.

Friday’s other qualifying winners included the pacers Artachebythenumber (Whittemore) in 2:00.1, Yoko Bono (Whittemore) in 2:04.4, Pembroke Dandy (Jimmy Bailey) in 2:01.3, Basilio Blue Chip (Claude Huckabone, Jr.) in 2:02, and trotters Justin’s Star (Dude Goodblood, Jr.) in 2:05.2, CJ’s Not A Clue (Chip Zombick) in 2:04 and Eng-Amer Davanti (Huckabone, Jr.) in 2:03.4.

Vernon Downs will begin its 55th pari-mutuel season next Friday, April 18. The track will offer live harness racing at 6:55 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays only until May 3, when Thursdays will be added to the weekly schedule.

The track’s planned 90-card campaign is slated to continue through November 8.

Additional information may be obtained via the racing office at (315) 829-6816 or 6825, or at www.vernondowns.com.