Vernon, NY — Driver Howard Parker, trainer Kyle Spagnola, and owner Michael Polansky teamed up to sweep a pair of $6,000 featured trots at Vernon Downs on Friday (June 7), accomplishing the feat with Waiting On A Woman ($4.40) and If Not Why Not ($4.00).

Waiting On A Woman (foreground) held his ground to prevail in Friday’s co-featured trot at Vernon Downs. Fotowon photo.

Majestic Sunset (Ben McNeil) put up early fractions of :28.3, :57.2 and 1:26.2 in the first feature, while Waiting On A Woman sat in the pocket before attacking for the lead as they reached the stretch. Just when it looked like it would be an easy win, Winning Princess (Jennifer Lappe) and Majestic Fire (Dan Daley) came charging late. Waiting On A Woman would not be denied and hung on for the victory in a seasonal best of 1:55.3. Winning Princes settled for second with Majestic Fire getting third money.

Waiting On A Woman, an 11-year-old gelding by Northern Bailey, won for the second time this season. He now owns 69 career victories.

In the second feature, Keystone Orion (John MacDonald) held a short early lead, but If Not Why Not took over before hitting the first quarter in :28.4. If Not Why Not controlled the rest of the race ,hitting the halfway point in :59.4 and three-quarters in 1:28.2. American JJ (Michael Miller) attepted to chase him down in the stretch, but If Not Why Not was too strong and won in 1:56.1. American JJ settled for second money with Keystone Orion finishing third.

If Not Why Not, a 4-year-old horse by Muscle Mass, won for the first time in 2019. He has now reached the winner’s circle 12 times in his career.

Jimmy Whittemore drove four winners on the night: Racine Belle ($3.90), Sulky Queen ($7.90), Air Dynamic ($29.00) and Love Live Laugh ($7.50).

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (June 8) with a 13-race card starting at 6:10 p.m.

For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.