by Jim Moran, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — The pacer Noah’s Art reclaimed the distinction of being the winningest equine performer of 2007 at Vernon Downs with a solid 1:57.2 score on Tuesday night (August 7).

After becoming the first harnessed performer at the meet to reach five tallies on June 9, Noah’s Art began a winless slump that allowed fellow sidewheeler Hobby Art Benka and the trotters Tallamore, Bankers Lane and Celebrity J Lo to catch up with him.

With Jimmy Whittemore driving for trainer Lonny Hale in Tuesday’s ninth race, Noah’s Art idled in third until the top of the stretch, then accelerated to a 2-1/2 length triumph over another closer, Blue Cam Rock, to record his sixth Vernon first-place finish and seventh in 19 current outings. The 9-year-old claimer has banked nearly $155,000 during his productive career.

Tuesday’s determined effort by Noah’s Art also allowed Hale to go one up (29-28) over Dave Dewhurst in races won among conditioners at the Downs this year.

With rain coming down in buckets, Winbak Prince became the fastest 2-year-old pacing gelding at the meet following a sparkling 1:55.2 showing in Tuesday’s second race. Josh Marks drove for trainer Sam Serianni as the bay son of Riverboat King took control of matters after a half in :57.1 and continued on to win by nearly 10 lengths over six older rivals.

It was the second tally for the precocious youngster who has earned $5,567 in five career showings for owners Ken Jacobs, Ed Namiotka, Jr. and the Slo-Down Stable. He lowered the previous local mark for his age, sex and gait by one full second.

Josh Marks, Ruel (Dude) Goodblood, Jr. and Angus MacDonald all chalked up driving doubles during Tuesday’s nine-race card, with the latter’s 1:55.1 trip behind The Firecam standing as the swiftest mile of the evening. MacDonald also trains the 5-year-old sidewheeler for owner Victor Bigun.

Downs Doings: While raising his win output at the meet to 51, Marks moved to within three tallies of current dash-winning leader and defending champ Howard Okusko, Jr.…The Downs will present a nine-race card at 6:45 p.m. this Thursday evening (August 9) that includes the week’s $10,000 Open Handicap Trot…The complex’s video gaming facility operates from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday, while its daily simulcast sessions start at 11:00 a.m.