Prairie Fortune was nowhere to be seen in the early stages of Friday’s $9,000 Open Trot at Vernon Downs, but he kicked it into another gear late en route to posting a sharp victory in the featured tilt.

Icanflylikeanangel (Roman Lopez) took them to a first quarter of :26.3 before giving way to Foundonabeach (John MacDonald) who then took the field to the half in :55.3.

Barn Bella (Claude Huckabone, Jr.) came first-over from fourth to take over before hitting three-quarters in 1:24.4. She looked like she had it wrapped up with a two-length lead in the stretch.

Prairie Fortune ($10.60) was seventh after the half and sixth after three-quarters. Owned by Laurie Poulin and trainer Mike Deters, he flew by like he was shot out of a cannon to edge Barn Bella (Second) by a head to win in 1:53.2. Muscles Jared (Howard Okusko, Jr.) finished third.

Prairie Fortune is a six-year-old gelding by Arapa Victory. It was his eight win of the season and fourth in a row. He now has 45 career victories.

John MacDonald won four on the night. He got his wins with Alex The Great ($3.60), Hammer Time ($9.70), Quick Trot ($7.90) and Expo ($12.20).

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday with a 13-race card starting at 6:10 p.m.

(Vernon Downs)