John Pauls Legacy out-toughed the favourite Sharpshootennorris to capture Friday night’s $10,000 Open Handicap Trot at Vernon Downs

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Trainer Angus MacDonald did the driving in Friday’s seventh race as John Pauls Legacy ($10.60) led the field through splits of :28.1, :59.3 and 1:28.2. Ten-time current winner Sharpshootennorris mounted a series challenge in the final turn before John Pauls Legacy stared him down and held on for a neck triumph in 1:56.4.

“He always gives it his all in the stretch,” said MacDonald. “I’ve never seen him quit yet.”

The hard-fought victory resulted in the fourth local score and the sixth this season for the four-year-old son of Credit Winner-Amore, who is still registered to breeder Emil Benvenuto. It was also the 12th lifetime tally for the career winner of $238,539.

Jimmy Whittemore, the meet’s top dash-winner, and Dan Daley each recorded driving doubles during Friday’s nine-race program.

Saturday’s 10-race line-up features four championship finals in the Kindergarten Classic Series for two-year-olds, plus the week’s $10,000 Open Handicap Pace. The Downs will complete its 56th campaign with additional cards on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7.

(Vernon Downs)