Vernon, NY — Kabu charged late to capture the $6,900 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (Nov. 1).

Kabu was on the scene late to win the co-featured event at Vernon Downs Friday. Fotowon Photo.

Jenny Lake (Leon Bailey) took the lead just before hitting the first quarter in :29.1.  She used a :30.2 second quarter to hit the half in :59.3.  Gettin Serious (Roman Lopez) was the first to challenge.  Jenny Lake maintained the lead as they hit three-quarters in 1:28.2.

Kabu ($9.40), who is owned by the JP Stables and trained by MacDonald, was fifth after three-quarters.  He looked like he was shot out of a cannon as he went by in deep stretch to win in 1:57.3.  Jenny Lake (Leon Bailey) had to settle for second.  Getting Serious finished third.

Kabu is an 8-year-old gelding by Valley Victor.  It was his sixth win this season.  He now has 39 career victories.

Love Live Laugh (Jimmy Whittemore) won the $6,900 featured fillies and mares pace.

Love Live Laugh got the perfect trip to win the co-featured event Friday at Vernon Downs. Fotowon Photo.

Classic Can Dream (John MacDonald) went to the front and led to the first quarter in :28.0.  She continued to lead to the half in :58.2.  Ask Queenie (Leon Bailey) took a short lead and hit three-quarters in 1:26.2.  She faltered around the last turn allowing Classic Can Dream to reclaim the lead as they made the turn for home.

Love Live Laugh ($7.40), who is owned by Diane Whittemore and trained by Marissa Chairborne,  popped out of the pocket and blew on by to win in 1:55.1.  Classic Can Dream had to settle for second money.  Unusual Clarity (Josh Kinney) was third best.

Love Live Laugh is a 9-year-old mare by Hi Ho Silverheel’s.  It was her eighth win this season.  She now owns 43 wins in her career.

Jimmy Whittemore drove four winners on the night.  Two more were with trainer Marissa Chadbourne.  Their other wins were with Pammy Jo ($12.80), and Blameitonthenight ($6.20).  His other win came with trainer Kerin Warner with Pearlameri ($30.20).  Warner trained three winners on the night herself.  Her other wins came with Letsgetintotrouble ($7.70), and So It Goes Hanover ($26.20).  

With one night of racing left John MacDonald leads Marissa Chadbourne by just one win for the trainer’s title.  

First Call was awarded top trotter of the meet.  She had seven wins this season at Vernon Downs.  The 4-year-old mare by Credit Winner is trained by Homer Hochstetler for owners Connie Hochstetler, Robert Buddig, and Allen Schwartz. 

Vernon Downs returns to live racing for closing night on Saturday (Nov. 2).  There will be a Vernon Downs tumbler giveaway (while supplies last) as well as a live bugler.  They will also feature two “Turn Back the Clock” rewind races as well.  The 13 race card starts at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.