Driver John MacDonald made the first Saturday of the 2019 Vernon Downs season a memorable one on April 20.

MacDonald starting out by winning the first race with long shot Pearlameri ($34.40). His second win came in the $4,000 split for the Anthony Farina Pacing Series with Gias Surreal ($2.10). The three-year-old filly by So Surreal won by over six lengths in 1:53.3. Finishing second was Regal Escape. Joes Life was third.

His last four wins came with Ponyta Boy ($9.40), KJ Erich ($4.50), Connie Keeper ($6.00), and Studio City ($6.70).

Electrofire charged late to capture the $6,000 featured pace.

Winds Of Change put up all the early fractions, leading in :26.0, :55.4 and 1:25.2). But Card Knock Life took the lead at the top of the stretch.

Electrofire, who is owned and trained by driver Jennifer Lappe, found an opening on the inside and went to the lead while holding off second-place finisher Skip Jive in 1:53.2. Card Knock Life settled for third.

Electrofire is a 12-year-old horse by Electric Stena. It was his first win of 2019 and his 48th victory overall. He paid $16.00 to win.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday, April 26 with a post time of 6:10 p.m.

(Vernon Downs)