Vernon, NY – War Of Will, driven by John MacDonald, charged late to steal the $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Sept. 12) at odds of 36-1.
Belmont Royale (driven by Chris Long) was first to the quarter in a smoking :25.1. Blazing Home N (Larry Stalbaum) took command heading for the backstretch and was first to the half in :53.4 and was first to three-quarters in 1:22.2.
Second-place finisher Belmont Royale N took the lead as they reached the stretch, but War Of Will made his move three-wide, getting by to win in a lifetime mark of 1:49.4. Digging For Gold (Ron Harp) finished third.
War Of Will is a 7-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous. He is owned by JP Stables and trained by MacDonald. It was his fourth win this season and his 23rd career victory. He paid $74.76 to win.
Jacquavyian Carter had a driving grand slam. He picked up wins with Elred, Bicorne Hanover, Mattucci, and Manador. MacDonald had a diving-training double. Joe Skowyra and Jessica Okusko had training doubles.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Sept. 18) with a post time of 5:05 p.m. (EDT).
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.