Vernon, NY — Midnite Craze and Love Live Laugh captured their respective $3,600 co-featured events at Vernon Downs on Friday (Aug. 7).

In the featured trot, Midnite Craze and trainer-driver Ivan Davies mounted a late rally and cruised to a 1:54.3 victory.

Midnite Craze edged away late to take Friday’s top trotting event at Vernon Downs.

Warrawee Preferred (Leon Bailey) charged to the front and controlled :26.3 and :55.4 first-half splits. Heading to the final turn, Frisky Joe (John MacDonald) sat in second while Midnite Craze was seven lengths back in third. Warrawee Preferred still had the lead as they hit three-quarters in 1:25.

Turning for home, Midnite Craze fought his way to the front and cruised clear by 1-1/4 lengths. Winning Princess (Jennifer Lappe) came flying late to finish second; Frisky Joe finished third.

Midnite Craze, a 10-year-old Crazed gelding owned by G. Richard Mason Jr., captured his first win this season and the 34th of his career. He paid $12.40 to win.

Love Live Laugh dug in late to win the featured distaff pace in a seasonal best of 1:52.4.

Love Live Laugh held on narrowly in the day’s distaff pace. Fotowon photos.

In line to John MacDonald, the 10-year-old Hi Ho Silverheel’s mare charged out to the front from her outside post and led to a :27 first quarter before backing the half down to :57.3. One Hand Keg Stand (Josh Kinney) made a first-over move on the far turn but couldn’t get close as Love Live Laugh picked up the pace to three-quarters in 1:25.3.

In mid-stretch, The Band K (Brett Crawford) made her move out of the pocket, charging at Love Live Laugh, who dug in and held on to win by a half length. The Band K settled for second best; One Hand Keg Stand held on for third.

Love Live Laugh, owned by Diane Whittemore and trained by Marissa Chadbourne, paid $6.60. It was her fourth win this season and her 47th career trip to the winner’s circle.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (Aug. 8) with a 13-race card starting at 3 p.m.

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