by James Witherite, Vernon Downs racing media

Vernon, NY — Chris Lems found success with seven of his drives on Sunday (August 23) at Vernon Downs. The South Dakota native teamed up with Day to Ponder ($5.90, 1:53.1), Princess Elsa ($3.00, 2:00.1), Ardie B Speed ($3.80, 1:53), RG Riptide ($7.10, 1:54), Yankee Manny ($13.60, 1:55.3), Ashton Seelster ($5.80, 1:52.1), and Leah’s Ex ($11.40, 1:56.3).

A Fool For Mark was a beaten favorite in the in afternoon’s $7,000 upper-level pacing feature. Trainer-driver John MacDonald mounted a first-over bid through the far turn with Damon Blue Chip ($5.20), and the 6-year-old Rocknroll Hanover gelding had plenty left to hold off a late charge from Tundra at the end of a 1:50.2 mile.

Damon Blue Chip was used just enough in the early stages to track A Fool For Mark (Chris Lems) and Smile A Little (Austin Siegelman) through a :26 first quarter, maintaining that trip through a :54.1 half before commencing his first-over bid. On the far turn, the 8-5 second choice made gradual progress, working into the lead in upper stretch as A Fool For Mark began to give way. Just as Damon Blue Chip opened up in the stretch, Tundra (Truman Gale) began closing in from a mid-pack stalking trip. Still, Damon Blue Chip prevailed by 1-1/4 lengths over Tundra, while Smile a Little managed to save third off his pocket trip.

The J P Stables own Damon Blue Chip.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (August 28) evening. Post time is 6:45 p.m. Eastern.