by James Witherite, Vernon Downs racing media

Vernon, NY — A quartet of $10,000 Kindergarten Classic preliminary events headlined Friday (Oct. 23) evening’s trotting program at Vernon Downs, and driver Tim Tetrick made the absolute best of both his drives on the card.

In the evening’s eighth race, Tetrick took his time with Tony Alagna trainee Double Exposure ($3.90), commencing a first-over bid on the backstretch en route to a three length triumph over Sweet Ashley T (Homer Hochstetler) and pacesetter Hollywood Hill (John Campbell). The 2-year-old Donato Hanover-KD Girl filly captured her third career win in as many starts in 1:55.1, edging away from her competition in similar fashion to two prior outings at The Red Mile.

Fotowon photo

Dog Gone Lucky was a 1:55.2 winner for Tim Tetrick.

“The Intimidator” completed his double with the Chuck Sylvester-trained Dog Gone Lucky ($2.50) in the 10th event, employing a drastically different tactic with the 2-year-old son of Lucky Chucky-Ebbtide Hall.

Dog Gone Lucky dueled early with Southern Palms through a :26.4 initial quarter, working to the fore before rating a 1:00.3 middle half and subsequently scampering clear of his four rivals for a decisive five length win in 1:55.2. Southwind Flash (Jim Marohn Jr.) rallied into second, and Labatt Hanover (David Miller) flattened off the far turn, yet still held third.

Earlier Kindergarten Classic events were taken by Celebrity Express ($4.20, John Campbell, 1:59.1) and Legal Lady ($88.00, Jan Johnson, 1:55).

Celebrity Express (Andover Hall-D Train) took charge in his split after stalking a :30 initial quarter, backing down the middle half before using a stout :27.3 closing sectional to hold clear of Brownie Hanover in deep stretch.

The speed mark of the evening among the freshmen belonged to Legal Lady, who at 43-1 was also the highest-priced winner of the night. The daughter of Deweycheatumnhowe-Bruschette worked first-over through the far turn to wear down pacesetter Radiant Beam (Jim Marohn Jr.), digging in late to stave off a late charge from Lookin Sharp (Corey Callahan) for the upset victory.

The top point-earners through this year’s Kindergarten Classic preliminary events will contest a pair of rich finals next Saturday evening (Oct. 31).

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (Oct. 24), with the first of 11 races due off at 6:45 p.m. (EDT).