Optima Kemp and driver Truman Gale captured the Thursday featured trot at Vernon Downs (September 21).

The daughter of Manofmanymissions would fly from her outside post and go gate-to-wire, putting up fractions of :28.2, :59.1 and 1:27.4 before tripping the timer in a lifetime best 1:56.1.

Miss Ruby (John MacDonald) settled for second while Foxy Swan (Atlee Bender) would get third.

Optima Kemp, who often races at Rideau Carleton Raceway as well as Vernon, Owned by Sergis Racing Stable and trained by Sam Sergi. The four-year-old mare won for the sixth time this season while racking up 10 lifetime wins.

Gale would get a driving double on the night. He would also win with E R Rhonda in 1:53.2 while paying $8.30. Claude Huckabone III snagged two wins as well, Getting victories with longshots Treewood ($69.50), and Private Performanc ($18.80).

Leading driver John MacDonald was held to just one win on the night after getting 30 wins in the last five racing dates at the miracle mile.

Vernon Downs returns to live action on Friday (Sept. 22) featuring two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes. The 12-race card begins at 6:45 p.m.

(with files from Vernon)