Vernon, NY – Merrow (Leon Bailey) won the featured $5,500 pace on Friday (May 2) at Vernon Downs.
Starlit Jackson (Justin Huckabone) charged straight to the front and led to the quarter in :27.3. Merrow ($2.10) brushed on by and took the lead heading down the backstretch and was first to the half in :58.0. Cant Touch Nasty (Chris Long) came first-up to challenge heading around the final turn. Merrow led to three-quarters in 1:26.4,
As they made the turn for home Merrow found another gear and won easily in 1:54.2. Cant Touch Nasty held on for second. Starlit Jackson finished third.
Merrow is a 3-year-old colt by Stag Party. He is owned by Suheil Ashkar and trained by Joe Sansone. He is now two for two in 2025. It was his fourth career victory.
Leon Bailey drove three winners on the card. David Dewhurst had three training wins.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (May 3) with a post time of 5:05 p.m. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.