by Jim Moran, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Scorpion Moon, the winningest trotter of 2007 at Vernon Downs, was impressive in a 1:57.3 triumph on Tuesday morning (April 8) during the central New York track’s second qualifying session.

The Downs is preparing for the start of its 55th live season on Friday, April 18.

Trainer Tracy Brainard, who shares ownership of Scorpion Moon with the Stuchbury and Herzog group, employed Claude Huckabone, Jr. to do the catch-driving. Having recorded eight of his 14 wins in 2007 at the Downs, the long-striding 7-year-old gelding easily proved the best in a field of five.

With Dennis Whittemore driving for defending training champ Lonny Hale and owner Rocco Manzi, the pacer Proud American posted the fastest mile of the day, a 1:55.1 score in Tuesday’s sixth race.

Another qualifying program is slated for this Friday (April 11), with entries due before 10:00 a.m. on Thursday (April 10).

Vernon will offer live pari-mutuel racing on Friday and Saturday nights only during the first two weeks of its planned 90-program live meeting. First post is set for 6:55 p.m.