Vernon, NY — If Not Why Not and Brett Crawford captured the $5,600 featured trot on Thursday (July 16) at Vernon Downs.

If Not Why Not gave both driver Brett Crawford and trainer Kyle Spagnola one of two wins on Thursday’s card at Vernon Downs. Fotowon photo.

Jenny Lake (Leon Bailey) got the early lead, but Piercewave Hanover (Jordan Derue) took over before hitting the first quarter in :27.3 and then rating a :58 half. If Not Why Not ($2.90) made his move out of third on the far turn and hit three-quarters first in 1:27.2.

Jenny Lake then became the major danger and gave a valiant effort in the stretch, but If Not Why Not was too much in the end, winning in 1:54.3. Jenny Lake settled for second; Piercewave Hanover held on for third.

If Not Why Not is a 5-year-old gelding by Muscle Mass owned by Michael Polansky and trained by Kyle Spagnola. He now has four wins this season and 17 career victories.

Spagnola and Crawford also teamed up for a win with Five Towns ($6.60).

Howard Parker and Jimmy Whittemore, the top two drivers at Vernon this season with 20 and 18 wins respectively, each had two wins on the night.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 18), with a 13-race card starting at 4 p.m.

For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.