Springsteen Concert at Vernon Downs Benefits Community and Military

Wednesday night, Vernon Downs hosted the legendary Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at their outdoor stage.

           

The weather was perfect as the concert began with a call to post by the E Street Band. Bruce rocked the house for 4 hours to a crowded infield of over 18,000 under a beautiful starlit sky.

The concert was a boost to the local economy and also benefited several local charities. Vernon Downs will contribute 50¢ to the Food Bank of Central NY, 50¢ to the Utica Food Bank and $1 to the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center for every ticket sold. Mr. Gural will personally match each of those donations.

Mr. Gural also personally donated 2,300 tickets for the concert to the USO. The tickets, which totaled $172,500 in value, were distributed through the USO of Metropolitan NY to active military service members and their families stationed at Fort Drum, as well as those serving in the NY National Guard and US Coast Guard.

“It was a great night for Vernon Downs. Everybody had a great time and we were able to give back to the community by contributing money to our local Food Banks and Veterans Outreach Center as well as giving back to our local military that protect our country,” Mr. Gural stated.

Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel is open year-round with video gaming machines, simulcast horse racing, a live harness racing season, restaurants, a sports bar and special entertainment events. The property employs almost 300 people, offers an all-suites hotel and a newly expanded Events Center.

A DAY TO REMEMBER AT VERNON DOWNS

Fans were treated to the best harness racing has to offer this past Sunday afternoon at Vernon Downs.

Ron Pierce secured his second Drivers' Championship victory and $25,000 first place check by winning the last race of the contest with a 16-to-1 longshot.

Hambletonian winner Market Share smashed the track record in his Zweig Memorial Trot victory and super filly Check Me Out matched her own world record of 1:51.3 in the Zweig Filly.

The day to remember is chronicled on this week's episode of "Inside Harness Racing." The show airs today (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM and again at 10:30 PM on Time Warner Cable Sports throughout Upstate New York. It'll also be replayed tomorrow (Thursday) at 10:00 PM. Viewers can also watch this episode online at the Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/tiogadowns).

This week's action also takes us to Tioga Downs where New York champion Heston Blue Chip captured the Cane Pace Elimination, setting up a much-awaited rematch with divisional leader A Rocknroll Dance in Monday's $322,000 Cane Pace Final.

Heston Blue Chip was fourth in A Rocknroll Dance's Meadowlands Pace victory. Driver Tim Tetrick tells viewers why Heston can turn the tables this time.

Ron Pierce wins Drivers' Championship; Market Share and Check Me Out star in Zweig Memorial

Multiple Standardbred stars were in orbit around the fast 7/8ths-mile oval at Vernon Downs on Sunday afternoon as the track's State Fair racing weekend concluded with a power-packed 13-race program.

As the dust settled, the brightest stars at day's end were Check Me Out, Market Share and Ron Pierce.

The even-money favorite Check Me Out lowered Vernon's record for 3-year-old trotting fillies to 1:51.3, equaling her world record, with a come-from-behind victory in Sunday's $150,000 Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial Final for her age, sex and gait.

The crowd's choice Market Share lived up to his top billing with a fast-closing (final quarter in :26.4) 1:52.1 track record score in Sunday's $350,000 Zweig Memorial championship contest for 3-year-old trotting colts.

Hambletonian winner Market Share wins the Zweig Memorial

Ron Pierce captured three of Sunday's six races in the 6^th-annual Drivers' Championship to finish first with 49 points and earn the $25,000 top prize.  He also won this prestigious event in 2010.

"It was a proud day for Vernon Downs and a tremendous day for harness racing in the Empire State," said Jason Settlemoir, vice-president of racing operations.  "It was an ideal day weather-wise, Track Superintendent Tony Rossi had the 7/8ths-mile track in tip-top condition, there were five track records set or equaled, which resulted in a very entertaining day for fans of the sport.  The turnout was great and enthusiastic, which certainly bodes well for the remaining 29 programs of Vernon's 59^th season."

Prior to Check Me Out's sensational score in Sunday's eighth event, freshman Vernon record-holder Gym Tan Laundry logged a 1:52.3 tally in race four that became a fresh Downs standard for 3-year-old trotting geldings.  George Brennan drove for trainer Noel Daley and the Adam Victor & Son Stable.

Check Me Out matches her own world record in the Zweig Filly

In the very next race, Jim Morrill, Jr., sitting in for trainer Trond Smedshammer and owner Michael Andrew, steered Chilitodayhotamale to a career-best 1:52.3 victory that became, at that point in the day, a new Vernon standard for 3-year-old trotting fillies.

Check Me Out, currently ranked second to the older trotter Chapter Seven on the sport's Top 10 chart, had to work hard to earn her eighth win (plus a second-place finish) in 10 season's starts.  The swift-footed daughter of Donato Hanover-Illusion Bi was fifth at the half, before rallying first-over around Vernon's final turn to wear down the front-striding Win Missy B and record a 1-1/4 length decision in race eight.  Tim Tetrick, the sport's top money-winning reinsman, did the teaming for part-owner/trainer Ray Schnittker and his partner Charles Iannazzo.

"She's the best horse I’ve ever been associated with,” said Tetrick in Vernon's winner's circle.  "She'll go as fast as you'll want to go with her."

Two races later, Tetrick was back in the sulky behind the Linda Toscano-trained, recent Hambletonian winner Market Share, who also had to rally from off the pace to out-scrap the game-going Magic Tonight in the final strides and gain a two-length triumph.  The track-record clocking equaled his lifetime speed badge and became the Revenue S-Classical Flirt-colt's sixth score in 13 starts this season, and 11^th in 18 career outings.  The lifetime winner of $1,272,505 is shared in ownership by Richard Gutnick, William J. Augustine and the TLP Stable.

"This colt is super every time he goes to the starting gate, and he just seems to get better and better every time out," said Tetrick. 

Trainer Toscano, who is enjoying a magical season, pointed out that the championship colt has worked his way up to the top of the season's sophomore trotting class (currently ranked fifth on the sport's Top 10 chart).

Pierce, a Hall Of Fame horseman who trailed first round leader Dave Palone 25-19 after the initial $25,000 Driving Championship leg at The Meadowlands on Aug. 17, earned 30 points during the day after first-place finishes behind the pacers Shark Shooter (race two), Joba Jovi (seven) and Stettin Hanover (11) to out-point local favorite Morrill, Jr., 49-41, in the hard-fought competition.

Sunday's other Driving Championship race winners were former Downs driving champion Brian Sears (Whimzical Britt in race three, and Hot Cowboy in race nine), and Morrill, Jr. (Chilitodayhotamale in event five).

Following Pierce and Morrill in the final standings were Sears and Palone (38 points each), Yannick Gingras (34), Dave Miller (30), Tetrick (19), Brennan (13) and last year's champ Jody Jamieson (nine).

Sunday's $11,000 Open pace was won by the fast-striding Melvyn, who equaled his win-mark and bettered Vernon's all-time standard for 4-year-old geldings after a 1:49.4 performance in race 12.  Brennan did the teaming for owner and trainer Rita Polese as the bay son of Mannart Howard-Cr Charisma collected his fourth season's score, 12^th lifetime win and raised his career earnings to more than $212,000.  

DOWNS DOINGS—Defending Driving Championship titleist Jamison was honored with a bobblehead doll giveaway prior to the program…Vernon's fastest trotting mile ever is still San Pail's 1:51.1 win on Sept. 2 last year…Gym Tan Laundry currently owns Vernon's 1:55.3 record for 2-year-old trotting geldings, which was set on Oct. 28 last year…There will be no live racing on Wednesday or Thursday this week, or simulcasting on Aug. 29. …On Wednesday (Aug. 29), Vernon will host a concert by "The Boss," Bruce Springsteen and his E-Street band at the track.  It's a leg of the noted singer's current Wrecking Ball Tour…Live racing at the Downs this week will be conducted at 6:55 p.m. on Friday (Aug. 31) and Saturday (Sept. 1) only.  The track also has a matinee program planned for 1:15 p.m. on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 3)…Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Night 2 of the State Fair Races at Vernon Downs

Sir Cary's Z Tam and Royalty For Life recorded the season's fastest miles by freshmen on the pace and trot, respectively, while Jim Morrill, Jr., again, tied the 2012 single program mark of six driving victories during Saturday night's $153,800 State Fair racing program for New York-breds at Vernon Downs.

Royalty For Life wins in a career-best 1:55.4 in the State Fair

Driven by Mike Lachance, Sir Cary's Z Tam converted a pocket trip into a career-best 1:53 clocking in Saturday's second session.  While out-striding the favorite Thirty Two Red to the finish by a neck, the brown son of Bettor's Delight-Yankee Celebration collected his second win in six starts and increased his earnings to $58,581 for owner/trainer Pat Lachance, Ira Rosenblum and the M&M Harness Racing Stable.   

Morrill, Jr. did the steering behind Royalty For Life in Saturday's opener, as the front-striding favorite forged a career-best 1:55.4 record, chalked up his fifth victory in eight outings and hiked his winnings to more than $90,600.  George Ducharme conditions the bay son of Rc Royalty-Bourbon 'n Grits for Alfred Ross, Raymond W.J. Campbell, Jr. and Paul Fontaine.

Morrill, Jr., who captured five races in State Fair competition here the previous evening, went on to win the fifth, seventh, 10^th, 11^th and 12^th events on Saturday's 12-race card, giving him 51 first-place finishes in limited appearances at the Downs this year.  The talented 47-year-old teamster is currently tied at six with Tim Tetrick for most wins on a single Vernon card through 60 programs, but he has now done it three times to one for his only competitor.  Both reinsmen will compete in Sunday afternoon's $25,000 leg of Vernon's 6^th-annual driving championship at the central New York 7/8ths-mile track.

Saturday's other first-place finishers in the $64,100 State Fair competition for 2-year-olds male pacers were Bet The Moon (Bettor's Delight-Sun N Moon) in 1:53.3, Doctor Butch (Art Major-Classical Yankee) in 1:53.4, Stirling Brigade (Art Major-Belle Reve) in 1:54.1 and Americasgottalent (American Ideal-Sunduel A) in 1:55.3.

Scores in Saturday's $89,700 freshman colt/gelding trot were also recorded by Tirade Hanover (Crazed-Teagarden Hanover) in 1:57.2, Prove Up (Plesac-Perennial) in 1:58.1, Bet The Moon (Bettor's Delight-Sun N Moon) in 1:58.1, Twisted Pretzel (Crazed-Pretzel Hanover) in 1:58.1, Jacks To Open (Conway Hall-Jodi's Jayme) in 1:58.2, Rage (Conway Hall-Chianti) in 1:59.2 and Pine Credit (Credit Winner-Ms Piggy Pine) in 1:59.3.

Driver Jeff Gregory as well as trainers Ron Burke, Linda Toscano and Paul Kelley were all two-time winners during Saturday's program.   

DOWNS DOINGS—Earning their initial pari-mutuel victories on Saturday were the trotters Pine Credit, Rage, Jacks To Open and pacer Bet The Moon…Vernon will conclude State Fair weekend with its initial $25,000 leg of the 6^th-annual Driving Championship at 1:15 tomorrow afternoon.  Dave Palone is the early points-leader after the event's first round that was held at The Meadowlands racetrack in New Jersey on Aug. 17.  Sunday's 13-race card will also include colt and filly flights of the $700,000 (est.) Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial 3-year-old trot, a Jody Jamieson bobblehead doll giveaway and free commemorative T-shirts…The Downs also has a matinee program planned for 1:15 p.m. on Labor Day (Sept. 3)… Next Wednesday (Aug. 29), Vernon will host a concert by "The Boss," Bruce Springsteen and his E-Street band at the track.  It's a leg of the noted singer's current Wrecking Ball Tour…Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Opening Night of State Fair races at Vernon Downs

Sir Lehigh Z Tam and Pat Berry win a division of the NYSF

Sir Lehigh Z Tam turned in the fastest performance among the 81 New York-bred 2-year-old distaff Standardbreds competing in Friday night's $128,300 State Fair racing program at Vernon Downs.

With Pat Berry doing the teaming for trainer Richard Ringler in Friday's eighth event, a division of the $63,900 frosh filly pace, Sir Lehigh Z Tam rallied from fifth in the early going, closed from second at the head of the payoff patch, and then caught and passed the pace-setting Know It All in deep stretch to earn a career-best 1:53 win mark.

It marked the second Vernon victory and the third tally in five lifetime starts for the steady-going daughter of Art Major-Moss Blue Chip, who is registered to Pat Lachance, Ira Rosenblum and the M&M Harness Racing contingent.

Friday's other first-place finishers in the filly pace were JK Songsunblue (Art Major-Song Bird) in 1:53.3, Greatdayforamerica (American Ideal-Seasational) in 1:54, Ritascape (Artiscape-Rita J) in 1:54.1 and Mollie Mile (American Ideal-Little Betty) in 1:55.2.

On the trotting side of the ledger, You Want Me gave noted catch-driver Jim Morrill, Jr. his fifth win during Friday's 11-race program after her maiden-breaking 1:57.1 performance in race nine.  It was also one of three tallies during the track's 59^th program for trainer Paul Kelley.  William Weaver, III and the Kelly Racing Stable own the black daughter of Credit Winner-Annette Hall, who also sports a pair of second-place finishes and a third in five official trips to the racetrack.

The other female tallies on the diagonal gait were recorded by Palm Beach Chic (Conway Hall-Back On Track) in 1:57.3, Isabella Gal (Rc Royalty-Tango Hall) in 1:58.1, Americash Express (Cash Hall-Neon Hall) in 1:58.4 and Playful Credit (Credit Winner-Pinery) in 1:59.

Former Vernon regular Jeff Gregory piloted a pair of first-place finishers during Friday's program, as did defending track driving champion Jimmy Whittemore.

DOWNS DOINGS—Isabella Gal, who owns the season's fastest mile by a 2-year-old filly trotter at the Downs  (a 1:56.2 tally on July 26) is the winningest member of Friday's State Fair performers with four first-place finishes in seven starts…Also earning "maiden" victories during the evening were Aspidistra Hanover, Americash Express, Playful Credit, Greatdayforamerica, You Want Me and JK Songsung-blue.…The Downs continues its State Fair racing weekend on Saturday with New York-bred competition for 2-year-old colt/gelding trotters and freshman male pacers.  Saturday's 12-race card will begin at 6:55 p.m…Vernon will conclude State Fair weekend with its initial $50,000 leg of the 6^th-annual Driving Championship at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday (Aug. 26).  Dave Palone is the early points-leader after the event's first round that was held at The Meadowlands racetrack in New Jersey on Aug. 17.  Sunday's 13-race card will also include colt and filly flights of the $700,000 (est.) Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial 3-year-old trot, and a Jody Jamieson bobblehead doll giveaway…The Downs also has a matinee program planned for 1:15 p.m. on Labor Day (Sept. 3)… Next Wednesday (Aug. 29), Vernon will host a concert by "The Boss," Bruce Springsteen and his E-Street band at the track.  It's a leg of the noted singer's current Wrecking Ball Tour…Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Dreamanotherdream by a nose in Wednesday night feature

Dreamanotherdream became a reality for the fifth time this year at Vernon Downs, winning out over newcomer Petty Hanover and Mr. Avalanche in a tight eighth race photo finish on the final Wednesday program of the track's 59^th season.

After Mr. Avalanche led the seven-trotter field into the homestretch, Dreamanotherdream pounced on the leader and took charge, while, at the same time Petty Hanover hustled up from third in a closing rush.  In the three-horse blanket photo that ensued, Dreamanotherdream prevailed in 1:56.2.

Dreamanotherdream (#3) wins a tight photo in Wednesday's feature

Brian Connor did the teaming for trainer Edgar Clarke and owner Dennis Goyette as the 6-year-old son of Dream Vacation-Another Choice earned his 21th all-time victory and raised his career winnings to more than $109,500.

Wednesday's fastest mile was a 1:53.1 career-best performance by the 5-year-old pacer Excellence In Arts during the eighth event with Jimmy Whittemore steering for trainer/part-owner Ron Miller and his partner, Leo Lashomb.

Defending champ Whittemore won two of Wednesday's 10 races, as did driver Fern Paquet, Jr.    

DOWNS DOINGS—Dreamanotherdream joined four other trotters and a pair of pacers in a tie for second in total equine victories at the 57-program meeting.  The trotter My Buddy Hall Lee and pacer Mia's Star are currently tied at six for most Standardbred scores at the track in 2012…The Downs has been offering live Wednesday programs since July 4…Next Wednesday, Vernon will present a concert by "The Boss," Bruce Springsteen and his E-Street band at the track.  It's a leg of the noted singer's current Wrecking Ball Tour…Tomorrow night's 12-race card will begin at 6:55…Vernon will present its initial $50,000 leg of the 6^th-annual Driving Championship at 1:15 p.m. this Sunday (Aug. 26).  Dave Palone is the early points-leader after the first round of the event that was held at The Meadowlands racetrack in New Jersey on Aug. 17…There is also a matinee program planned for 1:15 p.m. on Labor Day (Sept. 3)… Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Inside Harness Racing visits 2011 Hambletonian/Zweig winner Broad Bahn

CATCHING UP WITH 2011 HAMBLETONIAN/ZWEIG WINNER BROAD BAHN”

Inside Harness Racing visits the 2011 champion ahead of this year's race

NICHOLS, NY – With the 2012 edition of the $700,000 Zweig Memorial Trot scheduled for this Sunday at Vernon Downs, "Inside Harness Racing" hits the road to visit 2011 champion Broad Bahn at Winbak Farm, where he has completed his first year at stud.

The Broad Bahn story, plus a full preview of Sunday’s 6^th Annual Drivers’ Championship, airs today (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM and again at 10:30 PM on Time Warner Cable Sports throughout Upstate New York. It'll also be replayed Saturday at 11:00 AM. The show can also be seen each week on HPI TV in Canada. Viewers can also watch this episode online at the Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/tiogadowns).

This week's show also looks back at the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts at Tioga Downs and the emergence of Doctor Butch as the Empire State’s divisional leader.

Plus, get to know Vernon Downs horseman Rick Plano, who recently recorded his 6,000^th career driving victory.

Aruba Vacation captures Tioga Downs Sunday feature

Aruba Vacation and Fern Paquet Jr. captured Sunday afternoon's $16,500 featured open handicap trot at Tioga Downs.

Leaving from post position number three, Aruba Vacation controlled the field through fractions of 27.3, 57.1, and 1:25.1. Around the final turn Paquet asked Aruba to repel the first over challenge of All About Justice (Mike Simons), and he responded hanging on to win by a length in 1:55.

It was the third win in 16 seasonal starts for Aruba Vacation who returned $20.20 for the win. Guy Howard trains the 5-year-old homebred son of Dream Vacation – Dixie Hit, and with the win increased his seasonal earnings to more than $50,000.

All About Justice (Mike Simons) hung on for second despite the first over trip, while Green Day (Howard Parker) was third.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Monday, August 20^th with a post time of 6:00 pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us on our website at www.tiogadowns.com .  

No Monkeys Allowed takes Saturday feature

No Monkeys Allowed disposed of six swift-striding rivals to prevail in Saturday night's featured eighth event at Vernon Downs.

After getting shuffled back to fifth in the early going, No Monkeys Allowed ($8.10) began an overland journey that enabled him to pass Checkinthebox in the final stride and eke out a head victory in 1:53.

Brian Connor did the teaming for trainer Edgar Clarke as the game-going 5-year-old gelding secured his second score since July 28, his sixth tally of the season and 14^th all-time.  Robert J. Orr and Gary J. Jonas co-own the bay son of Rocknroll Hanover-Weeping Wanabe, who increased his career bankroll to $183,290.

Paul Suchow steered the pacer One More Day to a 1:58 triumph in Saturday's $2,800 fourth race, a leg of the GSY Amateur Series, while Anthony Verruso urged Sam's Honeybee to a fast-closing, neck verdict over Gate Keeper (driven by Vladimir Melnichenko) in the evening's $4,000 seventh session, a leg of the barnstorming C.K.G. Billing Series for amateur drivers of trotters.

Driver Frank Davis, currently fifth on Vernon's dashes-won chart, earned his initial triple of the 56-program meeting, finishing first with the Lonny Hale-trained pacers Miracle Freeluck (1:54.4), Stettin Hanover (1:54.2), and Mach My Word (1:52.3), who is conditioned by Scott West.

DOWNS DOINGS—Vernon will offer live racing at 6:55 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday next week, and present its initial $50,000 leg of the 6^th-annual Driving Championship at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday (Aug. 26).  Dave Palone is the early points-leader after the first round of the event that was held at The Meadowlands racetrack in New Jersey on Aug. 17…There is also a matinee program planned for 1:15 p.m. on Labor Day (Sept. 3)… Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Whittemore wins four on Friday night

The pacer Nuke's Flash and trotter Cedarridgetag were co-feature race winner on Friday (Aug. 17) at Vernon Downs, while defending driving champ Jimmy Whittemore captured four of the evening's 10 races.

Whittemore did the teaming for part-owner and trainer Kenneth Dawson in Friday's sixth session as Nuke's Flash ($5.10) rallied from third in the final quarter to gain a three-quarter length victory in 1:54.4.  It was the fourth tally this season and the seventh all-time for the 4-year-old son of Memphis Flash-Nukie Naybor, who is shared in ownership by Annette Dawson.

With Whittemore doing the steering in the seventh event, Cedarridgetag ($9.00) drafted along in second until the stretch showdown and then passed the pace-setting Whimzical Britt in the final stride to earn a neck decision in a career-best 1:56.2 performance.  Trainer Scott West and Katie Currie own the 4-year-old son of Tagliabue-T W Linda, who now sports three current tallies and five lifetime scores.

Whittemore's other wins came behind the pacer Thisthatntheother (1:58) in race eight and the trotter Forrest County (1:58) in Friday's 10^th event.  It marked the 28-year-old driver's second four-win outing at the 55-program meeting.

Driver Brian Connor collected a pair of first-place finishes during Friday's card to chalk up his sixth double at the meet.    

DOWNS DOINGS—The sophomore pacer Jack Bauer (1:57.4), 2-year-old filly pacer Thisthatntheother and freshman filly trotter Con Air Crown (1:59.1 all earned their initial pari-mutuel victories during Friday's program…Leading driver Rick Plano posted his 90^th win of the meet behind the pacer Timewell (1:54.1) in Friday's fourth race…After a 1:57.1 victory with the trotter Thatsssomebracciola (1:57.1) in race three, driver Howard Okusko, Jr. needs just three tallies to achieve the 2,000-win mark…Saturday's 10-race line-up will begin at 6:55 p.m… Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Mia's Star wins for sixth time at 2012 season

Mia's Star became the season's winningest equine on the lateral gait after a 1:53.1 spin around the 7/8ths-mile oval at Vernon Down on Thursday night (Aug. 16).

Mia's Star ($4.90) slugged it out with the favorite, Southwest, throughout Thursday's $6,800 ninth race, giving up the lead entering the stretch driver, and then fighting back in the final strides to earn a 1-1/4-length triumph.

Thursday's tough tally was the third in succession, sixth at the 54-program meeting, ninth this season and 14^th all-time for the game-going 4-year-old mare.  Defending driving champion Jimmy Whittemore did the teaming for trainer Enio Barrera and owner Clayton Faurot, Sr. as the bay daughter of Mach Three-Queen Verda increased her career bankroll to $52,315.

The trotter My Buddy Hall Lee has also recorded six first-place finishes at the Downs this year.

Current driving leader Rick Plano, who achieved his 6,000th career win here the previous evening, posted three wins on Thursday's 10-race card, and now leads in driving doubles, triples and four-win outings at track in 2012.  The 60-year-old horseman completed the card with 89 driving victories and 47 training tallies.

Whittemore also won with Andrea Pratt's trotter Hall Of Mirrors to chalk up his 10^th double at the Downs this season, while 10-time Vernon driving champion Howard Okusko, Jr., who is battling back from off-the-track injuries suffered earlier in the campaign, also visited the winner's circle on two occasions during the program.

DOWNS DOINGS—Okusko, who celebrated his 50^th birthday the previous evening, currently has 1,996 career driving victories.  He is the track's all-time leader in two-minute drives with 1,155…In addition to leading in the three driving categories already mentioned, Plano is tied at one with noted catch-driver Jim Morrill, Jr. in five-win outings at the meet…Morrill and Tim Tetrick are the only reinsmen to have achieved six scores on a single Vernon program thus far in 2012…Friday's 10-race line-up with begin at 6:55 pm… Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Rick Plano posts 6,000th career win

Plano pictured with son Luke, wife Maryann, and Race Secretary Scott Warren

Scorpion Moon, the 53-program meet's fastest trotter, secured his third straight score, while Rick Plano recorded his 6,000^th career driving victory during Wednesday night's 10-race program at Vernon Downs.

Fan favorite Scorpion Moon ($2.90) captured his second straight Open contest with a front-striding 1:53.3 triumph in Wednesday's $11,000 featured seventh race, while Plano posted his meet-leading 86^th first-place finish to reach the prestigious milestone behind his wife's (Maryann) pacer Bigtown Hero in the evening's fourth event.

Wednesday's win behind Scorpion Moon was one of four on the night for noted catch-driver Jim Morrill, Jr., who provided leading trainer Tracy Brainard with three victories on her birthday. 

Fresh off a career-best and local season's swiftest 1:52.3 mile in this top class for diagonally-gaited performers here last week, Scorpion Moon obtained his ninth season's score (fourth at the Downs) and 88^th lifetime win.  Brainard and Andrew Herzog own the gritty 11-year-old gelding, who raised his all-time earnings to more than $926,300.

Plano, a native of Frankfort (NY) who began his harness career here back in 1973, before going on to achieve success at Ohio's Northfield Park and on the California circuit, returned to the Downs a few season's back and has been a leading driver and trainer here ever since.  The 60-year-old horseman has accumulated more than $23.6 million in official purse money during his productive career.

After finishing first with the trotter Double D Fine in Wednesday's first race and the pacer Townie Guy in race six, driver Claude Huckabone, Jr. obtained his fourth double of the meet.    

DOWNS DOINGS—Morrill, Jr. chalked up his second four-win credit here in less than a week.  He also registered a four-win outing at Vernon on Aug. 11…The 47-year-old reinsman currently ranks fourth in Vernon's driver standings for 2012 with 40 first-place finishes.  He will represent the Downs  in the track's $50,000 Driving Championship here on Sunday, Aug. 26…Defending training champ Brainard presently leads Plano 49-45 on the meet’s conditioning chart…Joan Coogan's 3-year-old trotting colt Talaquah posted his initial pari-mutuel victory with Joe Nassimos teaming for trainer Joan Roach in Wednesday's third contest…Thursday's 10-race card will begin at 6:55 p.m… Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Millionaire Win Missy B shines in New York Sire Stakes

Crowd wagering choice Win Missy B lived up to her sterling reputation and snapped a string of three straight second-place finishes with a dominating 1:54.4 victory in the fastest of three divisions of Saturday night's $130,430 New York Sire Stakes feature for 3-year-old trotting fillies at Vernon Downs.

Fresh off her runner-up finish in the $714,050 Hambletonian Oaks final at The Meadowlands on Aug. 4, Win Missy B relaxed behind the pace-setting Lima Playmate for half of Saturday's third race, then took charge on the backstretch and powered home in a :28.4 final quarter to win by more than nine lengths.

Saturday's score marked the third victory this season and the 11^th overall for the talented bay daughter of Conway Hall-Winning Missbrenda, who bumped her career earnings to more than $1,121,100.  Trainer Charlie Norris did the teaming for owner Robert J. Key.  Her time was just four-fifths of a second off the track record for this class that was set by For A Dancer on June 8.

Saturday's other regular NYSS wins were recorded by Starglow Hall, who captured the evening's first race with a bold-striding, personal-best 1:55.2 effort, and Anandamide, who upset the favorite, For A Dancer (1:54), with a career-best 1:55.4 triumph in Saturday's sixth session. 

It was the second season's score for Starglow Hall (Conway Hall-Smilin' Matty), who was handled by Jim Morrill, Jr. Trainer Chris Ryder shares ownership of the bay filly along with Terry and Clarence Devos.

Anandamide (Credit Winner-Psychotherapist) turned a pocked trip into her fourth triumph in six starts with Morrill, Jr. doing the steering for trainer Anette Lorentzon and the ACL Stuteri Ab ownership contingent.

Saturday's slate also included five divisions of a $64,500 NYSS-sponsored Excelsior Series contest for state-bred sophomore distaffers on the diagonal gait.  The first-place finishers were Moonglow (Credit Winner-Glow) in 1:57 for driver Stephane Bouchard, trainer Frank Antonacci and the Fred Monteleone Stable; Pretend To Be Nice (Conway Hall-Sloppy Kisses) in 1:57.1 for driver Bouchard, trainer Fred Grant and owners Janice Rubin, Mary Katz, Darla Gaskin and Dr. Domenic Catton; Linda B (Equinox Bi-Linda Muscles) in 1:57.3 with Morrill, Jr. sitting in for trainer Bruce Aldrich and owner Woody Hoblitzell; Latte Hall (Conway Hall-Lisa's Mission) in 1:58 with trainer Jim Raymer handling the lines for the Harbor Racing Stable, and Psycho Babe (Sand Vic-Dusty Girl) in 1:58.2 with Vernon's leading driver Rick Plano doing the teaming for trainer Ron Abbott and owners Edward Reich and Irwin Lampert.   

One More Laugh front-ended his way to a decisive 1:50.3 victory in the week's $11,000 Open pace with trainer/part-owner Ray Schnittker steering for his partners, the Creative Racing Stable and the J&TSilva Stables in Saturday's ninth race.

Driver Morrill, Jr. posted four wins during the program and nine for the four-night week, while Plano picked up his meet-leading 85^th victory, his ninth triple and ran his lifetime win total to 5,998.  Bouchard was also credited with a pair of first-place finishes during the track's 52^nd program.

DOWNS DOINGS—Plano also picked up nine tallies during the Wednesday-Saturday week and bumped his training total for the meet to 44, two less than defending champ and current conditioning leader Tracy Brainard…Vernon will offer live racing Wednesday through Saturday again next week, with first post time at 6:55 each evening… Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Maxnifizent looks good in Friday night feature

Maxnifizent looked splendid while recording a 1:52.4 pacing score in Friday night's sixth race at Vernon Downs.

With Jimmy Whittemore steering for trainer David Jannone, Maxnifizent ($9.50) turned in a seamless, front-striding victory for owners Michelle C. and Albert C. Crawford.  It was the second victory in 11 starts for the 3-year-old son of American Ideal-Tuffenuff Mindale, who has also compiled a pair of second-place finishes and a third in his first season of pari-mutuel competition.

The 2-year-old colt trotter Shaolin Master ($37.40) also looked superb while charting her first career victory in Friday's third event.  LeWayne Miller drove for trainer Erv Miller and the Tanah Merah Farms as the homebred son of American Ideal-Shadow Baby stopped the timer in 1:57.3 to earn an impressive win-record and come within one-fifth-of-a-second of the Vernon’s season's standard for his age, sex and gait, established by Creditora in a New York Sire Stakes contest on July 6.

Leading driver Rick Plano and his son, Luke, captured five of Friday's 12 races.  Rick tied Chris Lems at eight for the local season's high in triples, while Luke logged his third double of the 51-program campaign.

The Millers, LeWayne and Erv, also earned a pair of win credits for the Tanah Merah Farms during Friday's card, as did trainers Rick Plano and Deedra Johnson.   

DOWNS DOINGS—Rick Plano's win behind Caiden's Colt in race 12 was his 82^nd of the meeting, and 5,995th of his productive career…Provisional driver Gary Clark earned his first sulky score in the United States with the trotter Uffra Girl in Friday's second race.  He reportedly has previously posted wins in the United Kingdom.  Clark and his wife, Fay, own the 10-year-old daughter of Johnnie Walker N…The 3-year-old pacer Smashing Gesture recorded his initial lifetime tally with a 1:58.2 effort for the Millers and the Tanah Merah contingent in race 11… Saturday's 12-race card will begin at 6:55 p.m and feature three divisions of a lucrative New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old filly trotters, five flights of an Excelsior Series contest for NY-breds of the same category, and the week's $11,000 Open pace… Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

All About Kisses Dominates Thursday Feature

All About Kisses displayed her superiority for the second week in a row with a hoof-scootin' 1:50.4 victory in Thursday night's $11,000 featured Open for female pacers at Vernon Downs.

Trainer Chuck Connor, Jr. was again in the sulky as the favorite All About Kisses ($3.50) went for the lead from the word "go," remained in command through splits of :27.4, :56.3 and 1:24, enjoyed an eight-length lead entering the final furlong.  She defeated Harlem Rockturne, the nearest of her five distaff rivals, by 8-1/2 lengths in Thursday's sixth race.

The 1:50.4 clocking was not only a personal-best record for All About Kisses, it was also just 3/5ths-of-a-second off the track record for 4-year-old pacing mares that was established by Armbro Dancer in 2007.

Following up on last week's 1:52.2 tally in this top class here, the fast and frisky daughter of Pro Bono Best-Cheerful Outlook earned her fifth season's score and 17^th lifetime victory.  The career-winner of $296,036 is owned by Connor's wife, Janice, as well as Albert C. and Michelle Crawford.

Two races later, Mia's Star became the 50-program meeting's winningest pacer with a career-fastest 1:51.2 triumph in Thursday's $6,800 eighth event, earning her second score in succession, fifth locally in 2012 and 13^th all-time.  Enio Barrera conditions the 4-year-old daughter of Mach Three-Queen Verda for owner Clayton Faurot, Sr.

Leading driver Rick Plano posted his season's-leading 12^th double at the Downs in 2012, increasing his driving tally total to 79 (training credits to 40), and now needs just eight more first-place finishes to reach the lofty 6,000 career-win plateau.

Driver Roman Lopez also collected a pair of victories during Thursday's 11-race card.

DOWNS DOINGS—The trotter My Buddy Hall Lee is tops in equine tallies at the meet with six…

Leading provisional pilot Michael Miller earned his sixth season's score behind the veteran trotter Franklin M Hanover in Thursday's seventh session…Michael Caprio's 3-year-old trotter BZ Glide got his initial pari-mutuel victory with a 2:00.3 performance in race three…Friday's 12-race line-up will begin at 6:55 p.m…Vernon will host a New York Sire Stakes-sponsored contest for 3-year-old filly trotters this Saturday evening (Aug. 11)… Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Summertime Lea goes fastest in New York Sire Stakes

On Wednesday, the 49^th program of 2012 at Vernon Downs, Summertime Lea (1:52.2) captured the fastest of three divisions in a $116,605 New York Sire Stake for 2-year-old filly pacers; Jetta Blue Chip collected a career-fastest 1:53.3 victory in the quickest of five flights of a $64,100 NYSS-sponsored Excelsior Series segment for state-bred frosh filly members of the lateral gait; successful 11-year-old trotter Scorpion Moon earned his 87^th career triumph and posted  a lifetime-best win mark that lowered his own season's fastest clocking for representatives of the diagonal gait at the central New York track to 1:52.3, Jim Morrill, Jr., one of the Standardbred sport's top reinsmen, won five of the evening's 12 pari-mutuel races, and leading driver Rick Plano posted his 5,990 career sulky score.

Morrill, Jr. did the teaming for trainer Ron Burke in Wednesday's $39,335 seventh session as the favorite Summertime Lea led from start to finish while securing her fourth first-place finish (plus a second) in five official performances, bumping her bankroll up to $80,921 and lowering her win-record to 1:52.2, which is just four-fifths-of-a-second off the track record for this class (set by See You At Peelers in 2010).  The swift-footed and steady-going bay daughter of Lislea-Donna Summer is shared in ownership by Earl Smith, Frank Baldachino Weaver Bruscemi and the Burke Racing Stable.

Wednesday's other NYSS divisional winners were Ritascape (Artiscape-Rita J) in 1:52.4 for driver Jimmy Whittemore, listed trainer Larry Rathbone and owners Connie and Homer Hochstetler and the South Of The Tracks Racing stable, and Park N Orchard (Art Major-Allamerican Meadow) in 1:53.3 for driver Brian Sears, trainer/owner George Zitone and his partner Jay Platt.

Morrill was also in the sulky in Wednesday's $12,800 fourth event as Jetta Blue Chip (American Ideal-JK Good Vibrations) collected her initial pari-mutuel victory for trainer Abe Stoltzfus and owner Ernest Hartman. 

Wednesday's other Excelsior Series scores were registered to Ballineen (Art Major-Lislea Phia) in 1:54.1 for Morrill, Jr., trainer Stoltzfus and owner Hartman;  R U Ideal (Amerian Ideal-Ru In The Game) in 1:54.3 for driver/owner Pat Lachance and trainer Richard Ringler; Minor Wisdom (American Ideal-Bettor Wisdom) in 1:54.4 for driver Mark MacDonald, trainer Chuck Connor, Jr. and the W Springtime Racing Stable, and Sir Lehigh Z Tam (Art Major-Moss Blue Chip) in 1:56 for driver/owner Lachance, the Z Tam Stables, Ira Rosenblum and trainer Ringler.

While logging three of his eight season's scores at the Downs, Scorpion Moon has dropped the meet's fastest trotting miles from 1:54 (May 18) and 1:53 (June 1) to 1:52.3.  The career-winner of $920,836 is currently owned by trainer Tracy Brainard and Andrew Herzog.

Plano, who now needs just 10 tallies to reach the prestigious 6,000 win plateau, scored with Richard C. Plano's trotter She's All In in race three.  The 3-year-old filly became a five-time winner at the meet.

DOWNS DOINGS—Morrill, Jr. has recorded six wins at the Downs twice this season and owns 32 first-place finishes in limited appearances at the meet…Nine of the night's victors earned win marks…The first-place finishes by Jetta Blue Chip and Ballineen were maiden victories…Leading trainer Brainard also harnessed a pair of Wednesday wins…Thursday's 11-race program, which includes an $11,000 Open contest for female pacers, will begin at 6:55 p.m. and mark the start of Corntastic Weekend at the track…Vernon will host a New York Sire Stakes-sponsored race for 3-year-old filly trotters this Saturday evening, Aug. 11… Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Drivers set for Vernon Downs-Meadowlands Championship

Vernon Downs is gearing up to host its first Drivers' Championship during State Fair weekend on Sunday (August 26).

This year's competition begins on closing night at the Meadowlands, Friday, August 17. The participants will be available for a fan meet & greet as well as an autograph session on the apron beginning at 6 p.m.

The Drivers' Championship final moves to Vernon Downs on August 26th where the entire weekend of racing is designed to be a recreation of the New York State Fair experience of years gone by, complete with all the trimmings.

Below is the field of drivers:

• Tim Tetrick – $9,593,348
  The "Bionic Man" has a remarkable lead of nearly $3 million in earnings this year for the Drivers' Championship. Tetrick added more than $1.2 million to his total on Saturday's Meadowlands card including his first victory in the Hambletonian with Market Share. This marks six consecutive years that Tetrick will participate in the Drivers' Championship.
• Yannick Gingras – $6,598,005
  The "Green Hornet" is a comfortable second in North American earnings and is enjoying a sensational year with top mount A Rocknroll Dance who captured the Meadowlands Pace. Gingras has captured the Drivers' Championship on two previous occasions as he endeavors to add a third trophy to his case.
• George Brennan – $5,974,965
  The "Minister of Speed" has once again kept himself near the top of the money standings in North America with a solid year. Stakes highlights thus far in 2012 have come with top free for all pacer Betterthancheddar who captured the Ben Franklin and Des Smith.
• Ron Pierce – $5,965,542
• "Rockin Ronnie" Pierce has competed in every Drivers' Championship held at Tioga Downs, and will be headed to Vernon Downs to regain his title from 2011. He avenged past struggles in Drivers' Championship events by taking home the $25,000 grand prize in 2011.
• David Miller – $5,825,512
  Back on the roster after missing the cut for the Drivers' Championship in 2009 and 2010, The "Buckeye" will make his second straight appearance in 2012. Miller orchestrated a huge upset in the Hambletonian Oaks with Personal Style at 55-1 to secure a spot in the field of nine.
• Brian Sears – $5,625,577
  The "White Knight" has competed in all of the Drivers' Championships held at Tioga Downs in years past and will once again compete for the $25,000 grand prize. Perhaps Vernon's favorite son will annex his second Drivers' Championship in front of the hometown fans.
• Dave Palone – $4,965,497
  Long reigning "Dash King" at The Meadows, Palone made headlines early this year in his quest to surpass Herve Filion as North America's all-time dash winning driver with more than 15,000 trips to the charmed circle. He has been the Meadows' leading driver for an astounding 23 consecutive years. This season's big horse for Dave is Sweet Lou, a top 3-year-old pacing colt trained by Ron Burke.
• Jim Morrill, Jr. – $4,166,806
  Despite only competing at Vernon Downs on the stakes circuit, Morrill has had so much success that he is the leading money winning driver at Vernon in 2012. He will be in the 2012 Drivers' Championship as Vernon Downs' leading driver and competing in his first ever Drivers' Championship.
• Jody Jamieson – $4,891,464
  Canada's superstar Jody Jamieson has been selected as the 2012 Sponsor's exemption by American Racing and Entertainment. Jamieson has had great success in 2012 with mounts such as Mister Herbie, Knows Nothing and Big McDeal. Vernon Downs will also be honoring Jamieson on Drivers' Championship day with a Jody Jamieson bobblehead giveaway.

All divisions of the New York State Fair 2-year-old events will be raced on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, in addition to the drivers competition, the new and improved $700,000 Zweig Memorial Trot for 3-year-old colt and filly trotters will be raced at Vernon Downs for the very first time.

The Jody Jamieson bobbleheads will be given away before the races and the drivers participating in the Championship will be on hand for an autograph session and driver meet and greet beginning at 11:45 a.m. on the trackside apron.

On Saturday (August 25), Vernon Downs will be hosting a free golf outing for all horsemen and owners in the morning (planned tee time: 9 a.m.). The tournament will be held at Rome Country Club and will be a four person captain and crew format tournament.

Hotel rooms are available at Vernon Downs for the State Fair celebration (August 24–26), and all reservations and golf sign ups can be directed to Jason M. Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast, at 607.699.7588 or jsettlemoir@tiogadowns.com.

For more information on Vernon Downs visit www.vernondowns.com.

Yankees In Six wins his sixth

The favorite Yankees In Six rewarded his backers with a victory in Saturday night's featured $11,000 Open pace, while the hard-charging side-wheeler Potala Prince produced an odd-distance track record in a later race on the 11-event card.

Following a second-place finish in last week's top overnight class, Yankees In Six ($6.90) got away fifth as Hay Good Looking took the select field of six to the three-quarter mark in 1:24.1.  With a bold three-wide rally around the final turn, the 4-year-old black gelding gained the lead entering the final furlong and sprinted to a half-length victory over Forty Carrots in 1:51.1.

 

A last quarter in :26.3 sealed the deal for the son of Panspacificflight-Law And Order, who snared his second local score, sixth season's tally and 12^th lifetime victory.  His 1:51.1 clocking was just 3/5ths-of-a-second off the track record for his age, sex and gait that was set by River Shark in 2010.

Brian Connor did the teaming for trainer Edgar Clarke, and the Robert J. Orr/Gary Jonas ownership contingent as Yankees In Six raised his lifetime earnings to $185,308.

Saturday's fifth race, the second-annual Dashtonian, found eight eager pacers vying for a $4,200 purse in a half-mile dash.  With trainer Adam Capizzano at the controls, Potala Prince ($17.40) went right for the lead off the gate, built up a six-length advantage entering the stretch drive and hustled to a :54.1 win, which trimmed a full second off the previous time-standard for this distance at the Downs.

The quick-footed effort marked the first win in 2012, but the fifth lifetime tally for the 5-year-old gelded-son of McArdle-Armbro View, who is registered to Capizzano, Joe Marcoe and Kyle Storie.

Connor went on to record his second triple of the 48-program local meeting, while two-win credits went to drivers Jimmy Whittemore, Frank Davis, trainer/owner Scott West and his partner Katie Currie, as well as owner/trainer Mark Liebowitz and Phyllis Liebowitz, and owner/trainer Kenneth Dawson and Annette Dawson.  

DOWNS DOINGS—Lightning Prince, who had set the :55.1 standard in last year's initial Dashtonian, was a contender in Saturday's fifth race before going off-stride entering the stretch drive and finishing eighth…Leading driver Rick Plano earned his 76^th win at the meet behind the pacer Timewell in Saturday's ninth race and needs just 11 more first-place finishes to reach the prestigious 6,000 career-win plateau…The Downs will offer live racing Wednesday through Saturday next week, with first post each evening at 6:55…Vernon will host a New York Sire Stakes-sponsored contest for 2-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday night, Aug. 8 and a NYSS contest for 3-year-old filly trotters on Saturday evening, Aug. 11… Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

My Buddy Hall Lee wins #6

The steady-striding trotter My Buddy Hall Lee extended the season's longest winning streak at Vernon Downs, while the gritty high-stepper Brilliant Thunder eked out a close tally in Friday night's featured ninth event.

Competing in the evening's $5,300 seventh session, the favorite My Buddy Hall Lee ($3.20) rallied to the lead in the final turn, and then held off the pocket-sitting Cedarridgetag in the stretch drive to earn a head decision in 1:55.4. 

Tied at five with fellow trotter Yankee Manny for most equine tallies after 46 Vernon programs, My Buddy Hall Lee became the meet's initial six-time winner, while extending his current win-skein to six.  It was the seventh lifetime victory for the 4-year-old son of Roadshow Hall-Exclusive Lee, who increased his career earnings to more than $20,600 for owner Brett Tessler.  Roman Lopez did the teaming for trainer Leopold Sawyers.

With Frank Milby steering for trainer Barry Dodge and owner Tony Lioto in Friday's $5,400 ninth contest, Brilliant Thunder ($28.60) pulled out of the pocked behind the front-striding Damian Carlos N entering the final furlong, and then out-hustled the fast-closing B Cor Terry to the finish to earn a nose triumph in a career-best 1:56 effort.  It was the second season's score and 25^th lifetime tally for the bay son of Brilliant Victory-Proud Performance, who increased his all-time earnings to $77,803.

Milby managed a pair of first-place finishes during Friday's 10-race card, as did driver Claude Huckabone, III.

DOWNS DOINGS—The precocious 2-year-old filly pacer Minor Wisdom earned her initial pari-mutual victory with a 1:56 mile for driver Brian Connor, trainer Chuck Connor, Jr. and the W Springtime Racing Stable in Friday's fourth event…Michael Sorentino, Jr.'s pacer Bacgamon got his first lifetime win after a 1:57.3 performance for Huckabone, III in Friday's eighth event…Rick Plano posted his 5,988 career driving victory with the trotter Tobell in Friday's fifth race…The Downs will close out the week's live racing with Saturday's 11-race card, that featured the week's $11,000 Open pace in race two.  First post will be at 6:55 p.m…The Downs will host a New York Sire Stakes-sponsored contest for 2-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday night, Aug. 8 and a NYSS contest for 3-year-old filly trotters on Saturday evening, Aug. 11… Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

All About Kisses on Thursday night

It was All About Kisses in Thursday night's $11,000 Open contest for female pacers at Vernon Downs.

Trainer Chuck Connor, Jr. did the teaming in Thursday's featured eighth event, piloting the crowd favorite All About Kisses ($3.40) to a career-fastest 1:52.2 triumph.

The brown 4-year-old daughter of Pro Bono Best-Cheerful Outlook cut fractions of :27, :56.3 and 1:25.1 en route to her fourth season's score and 16^th lifetime victory.  Connor's wife, Janice, owns the career-winner of $290,536 along with Albert C. and Michelle C. Crawford.

Leading driver Rick Plano picked up his seventh triple of the 46-program meeting during Thursday's 10-race card, while raising his win count for the local campaign to 74.  His current all-time victory total of 5,987 leaves him just 13 scores shy of the prestigious 6,000 career-win mark.

Plano's Thursday win postings came behind the trotters Sweet Baby Jane (1:58.3) in the fifth race, Jam And Jelly (1:56.3) in the ninth event and the pacer Steuben Ruthless (1:53) in the evening's final contest.

DOWNS DOINGS—After guiding the pacer Linden Beauty to a 1:55.2 triumph, and earning his 32^nd driving victory, in Thursday’s fourth race, Frank Davis was involved in a sixth-race mishap with his pacer Cheap N Easy in the night's sixth event.  Although the preliminary report was that he was not seriously injured, the 21-year-old horseman chose not to participate in the evening's ninth and 10^th events…Michael Pozefsky's 3-year-old filly trotter Really Realy Sweet secured her first career victory after a 2:00.4 mile for trainer/driver Chip Zombick  in Thursday's third contest…Friday's 10-race card will begin at 6:55 p.m…The Downs will host a New York Sire Stakes-sponsored contest for 2-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday night, Aug. 8 and a NYSS contest for 3-year-old filly trotters on Saturday evening, Aug. 11… Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.

Yankee Manny, All About Attitude highlight Wednesday night racing

Excellent efforts by Yankee Manny and All About Attitude highlighted Wednesday night's 10-race harness program at Vernon Downs.

Yankee Manny exploited a late opening in the pylon path to become the second five-time winning equine of Vernon's 45-program meeting following a 1:53.3 tally in the week's $11,000 Open trot, while All About Attitude became the local season's fastest 2-year-old filly pacer after a career-best 1:55.2 performance in Wednesday's third event.

Joining fellow high-stepper My Buddy Hall Lee as the local campaign's only five-time winning equines, Yankee Manny ($5.10) drafted along in second place until the top of the stretch and, after the pace-setting Manningly bore out entering the final furlong, then charged through the inside lane to win, going away, by more than two lengths.

Frank Davis delivered his 31^st driving victory and 14^th training tally while guiding the 6-year-old son of Yankee Glide-Yankee Minuet to his seventh season's score and 26^th lifetime victory.  The career-winner of more than $153,000 has finished in the money in all of his last eight starts for owner Brian Green. 

Making her fourth career appearance against seven frosh female rivals, All About Attitude ($8.60) battled for the lead from the word "go," took command nearing the three-quarter mark and kicked home in :29.2 for trainer/driver Chuck Connor, Jr. to record her maiden victory for owners Janice Connor and Michelle C. Crawford.

Leading driver Rick Plano got his 71^st victory behind the Tracy Brainard-trained trotter Confederate Man in the eighth event and now needs just 16 more tallies to reach the coveted 6,000 career-win mark.  Second leading reinsman Chris Lems reached 60 first-place finishes at the meet after recording his ninth driving double, while Plano's 32-year-old son, Luke, also chalked up two Wednesday scores, as did veteran conditioner Angus Mac Donald.

DOWNS DOINGS—Owner Green also got a 1:55.3 victory out of his veteran pacing mare Jo Pa's Wish in Wednesdays fifth event…Thursday's 10-race program will begin at 6:55 p.m…The Downs will host a New York Sire Stakes-sponsored contest for 2-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday night, Aug. 8 and a NYSS contest for 3-year-old filly trotters on Saturday evening, Aug. 11… Additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.