Vernon, NY — Tomas and Artie Dick captured the $9,000 Open Pace on Saturday (Sept. 30) at Vernon Downs.

Tomas ($3.30), who usually lays back and charges late, changed things up and fired out of the gate and led to the quarter in :27. Syracuse Express (Leon Bailey) came first-over going down the backstretch, but Tomas protected the lead to the half in :56.4 after he slowed things down with a :29.4 second quarter. Syracuse Express continued to put on some pressure as Tomas got to three-quarters first in 1:24. As they reached the stretch, Tomas had plenty in the tank and made it a race for second as he won in 1:52. The race for second ended in a dead heat between Syracuse Express and Bluesville (Frank Affrunti).

Tomas controlled the terms en route to a 1:52 win in the Saturday feature at Vernon Downs. Fotowon photo.

Tomas is a 6-year-old gelding by Art Major owned by White Yeti Racing and trained by Dick. It was his sixth win this season and his 11th career victory.

Frank Affrunti and Leon Bailey each had driving doubles. David Dewhurst had a training double.

Live racing returns on Friday (Oct. 6) at 6:05 p.m. For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.