Vernon, NY – Galactic Storm (Jimmy Whittemore) was the gate-to-wire winner in the $7,500 featured pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Aug. 10).
Galactic Storm ($8.80) went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :28. He used a :29 second quarter to be first to the half in :57. He cruised to three-quarters in 1:24.3.
As they reached the stretch, Galactic Storm expanded the lead. Second-place finisher Syracuse Express (Howie Okusko Jr.) and third-place finisher War Of Will (Leon Bailey) were both surging late but Galactic Storm was not to be denied and won by a length in 1:52.4.
Galactic Storm is a 5-year-old gelding by American Ideal. He is owned and trained by Whittemore. It was his third win this season. He now has 10 career victories.
Yankees Beast (Steeven Genois) won the Oliver Peterson Memorial Trot. He is owned and trained by Jody Weidman. He paid $32.60 for the win.
The Shari, Carol, and Howard Okusko Memorial Pace went to longshot Love the Action (Brandon Cruse). He is owned by the Morrison Stables and trained by Cruse. He paid $45 for the win.
Leon Bailey had a driving hat trick.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Aug. 16) with the start of Corntastic Weekend. Post time is 4 p,m.
For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.