Vernon, NY – Rock The Nite (John MacDonald) captured the $5,500 featured pace at Vernon Downs on Friday (Aug. 9).
Beach Boogie (Josh Kinney) darted out of the gate and was first to the quarter in :27. He went :28.4 in the second quarter and led to the half in :55.4. Meanwhile, Rock The Nite ($7.40) was just biding his time in the pocket as they headed around the final turn. Beach Boogie was first to three-quarters in 1:24.4.
As they reached the stretch, Rock The Nite popped the pocket and blew right on by to win in 1:53.2. Beach Boogie had to settle for second. Justa Bandit (Frank Affrunti) finished third.
Rock The Nite is 12-year-old gelding by Rocknroll Hanover. He is owned by Lydia Christie and trained by Gary Gibson. It was his fourth win this season. He now has 41 career victories.
John MacDonald and Steeven Genois had driving doubles. Fannie Saul-Beaulieu and Gary Gibson had training doubles.
Senor Fantastic (Dan Daley) won the Phillip Doyle Memorial Trot in a lifetime best of 1:56. He is a 3-year-old colt by Tactical Landing. He is also trained by Dan Daley for owners Oleg Ivutin, Ann-Mari Daley and Jared Daley.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (Aug. 10) with an 11-race card starting at 6:05 p.m.
For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.