by Jim Moran, publicity director, Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Queenie Rocks recorded the fastest trotting mile of the 11-night old meet with a 1:56¹ winning performance in the $5,000 Open feature at Vernon Downs on Friday night, May 14.

In becoming Vernon’s initial three-time victor of 2004, Queenie Rocks drafted along behind the pacesetter, Grafton, until the head of the stretch, then took command when the leader went off stride and held off the fast-closing Marian’s Man to win by a neck.

The time was a personal best for the four-year-old mare and just one second off the track standard for her age, sex and gait.

In obtaining her fourth score in 10 current outings, the Jack Rice driven high-stepper bumped her lifetime earnings to $22,752.

Maria St. Pierre trains the steady going mare for owner Sam Rice.

S A Relyea and Pembroke Marvel tied at 1:58³ for the distinction of having the fastest miles in Friday’s opening leg of the Lotto S Collins Trotting Series.

The former led throughout and gained his second score at the meet for owner Russell Billings, while the latter used similar front-striding tactics in gaining his first win in three career outings for owner William Varney.

Friday’s other first leg series winners were Rapphappy Kash in 1:59¹ for owners Paul and Pauline Nower; Forever Joy in 1:59³ for the Perry Racing Stable; and Cosmo Hanover in 2:00⁴ for owner Michael Baker.

Defending track percentage training champ Angus Mac Donald secured his 999th career driving victory when he guided the four-year-old trotter Paver Man to a lifetime best 1:58¹ tally in Friday’s $2,000 second race. The Vernon-based horseman owns and trains the career winner of $23,801.

Vernon’s next live harness program will be Saturday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m.