Vernon, NY – Merrow, with driver Chris Long, captured the $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (April 25).
Primo Uomo (driven by Frank Affrunti) was first to the quarter in :27. He went a :29.3 second quarter and led to the half in :56.3. Aces Or Bettor (Leon Bailey) came first-up to challenge going around the final turn. Primo Uomo fought him off and led to three-quarters in 1:24.3.
As they reached the stretch, Merrow came flying out of the pocket and stormed past second-place finisher Primo Uomo to win in 1:53.1. War Of Will (John MacDonald) finished third.
Merrow, who paid $8.68 to win, is a 4-year-old stallion by Stag Party. He is owned by Suheil Ashkar and trained by Joe Sansone. He is one for one in 2026 and now has 12 career victories.
Steeven Genois, Jeff Gregory, and Long had driving doubles. Jessica Okusko, John Stubits, and Sansone had training doubles.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (May 1) with a post time of 5:05 p.m. (EDT).
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.