by Nick Salvi, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Vernon Downs will begin preparations for its 2010 live race meet with a card of qualifying races on the evening of Tuesday, April 6, at 6:55 p.m.

The races will serve as a dress rehearsal for Vernon staff and media in anticipation of opening night of the live meet set for Friday, April 16. The box will close for qualifying declarations at noon on Monday, April 5, and the Race Office phone number is (315) 829-6825.

Stall applications for the Vernon meet are available at the Vernon Downs Web site. The applications should be faxed to (315) 829-3364 and are due by Monday, April 12. The Lasix schedule and other pertinent information may be found on the site as well.

Looking forward to the start of racing, Vernon will be conducting a double draw for the first few weekends (Friday and Saturday) on Tuesday of each week. Qualifiers will be offered on Tuesday and Friday mornings each week until the start of racing, then will revert to Friday only for the balance of the season. The condition sheets will be posted on the Web and will contain all entry information.