Hammer Time rallied from off the pace for driver John MacDonald to capture Saturday’s $7,000 featured trot at Vernon Downs.

First Call (Homer Hochstetler) flew out of the gate and went right to the lead. She led to the first quarter in :28 and controlled to the half in :57.1. She still easily led the race hitting three-quarters in 1:25.3.

Hammer Time ($8.00), who is trained by Harry Landy and owned by Glat Kosher Racing, was third as they made the turn for home. Hammer Time and First Call fought all the way down the stretch. Hammer Time wore her out in the end winning in a lifetime best of 1:54.0. First Call had to settle for second with Only Passing Thru (Jimmy Whittemore) getting third money.

Hammer Time is a five-year-old horse by Muscle Hill. It was his third win this season. He now has 10 career victories.

John MacDonald drove four winners on the night and leads all drivers with 90 wins. His other wins came with Hennessey ($12.00), Lady Rapidash ($6.90), and Kitty Hoyne ($2.20).

Danny Gill picked up his 1,500th training victory with Awesum Ace ($24.00), who won in a lifetime best of 1:53.1. The five-year-old gelding by United Ace is owned by Adam Friedland and was piloted by Leon Bailey. Gill then picked up career win 1,501 with All About Rusty (Howard Parker).

Vernon Downs returns to live racing with a special Sunday (September 15) 11-race card. They will feature the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) consolations for all eight classifications. There will also be a long sleeve t-shirt giveaway while supplies last. Post time is 6:10 p.m.

(Vernon Downs)