'Lightning' Leon Bailey had a career day, driving five horses to the winner’s circle at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Sept. 5).

Bailey got his first win on the day in the first race with So Diva ($28.00). His second win came in Race 4 with The Blazing Truth ($7.80). He then finished first in Race 7, 9, and 10 with Intuitive Writer ($5.90), Rise Up Now ($17.20) and Bet Big On Blue ($6.40) respectively.

Clouseau Hanover captured the $3,600 featured pace.

Daliocity went to the front and led to the first quarter in :26.2. Golden Gun was parked first over and challenged Daliocity up the backstretch. Daliocity held a slight lead hitting the half first in :56. He still led to three-quarters in 1:25.2.

As they made the turn for home the race was wide open. Rockaholic took a slight lead as they reached the stretch. Then Bringer Of Rain came four deep and looked like he was going to emerge as the winner. However, Clouseau Hanover, who was eighth after three-quarters, slipped through an opening as they were five across the track. He flew right on by second-place finisher Bringer Of Rain to win in 1:54.2. Rockaholic held on for third.

Clouseau Hanover is a six-year-old gelding by Western Ideal. Driver Jennifer Lappe trains and co-owns with Robert Santagata. It was his second win this season and his 19th victory overall. He paid $4.40 to win.

Lappe and Truman Gale each had driving doubles on the night.

John MacDonald is leading all drivers with 39 wins so far this season. With his five wins Leon Bailey is only two back in second with 37 victories. Howard Parker (30), Jimmy Whittemore (24), and Roman Lopez (12) round out the top five.

The trainers title remains wide open. George Ducharme and Kerin Warner (who had two winners on the card) are tied with 15 wins each. David Dewhurst is third with 14 victories. Claude Huckabone III is just two back with 13 tallies. Paul Minckler, and Brandy Wine are close behind with 12 wins each.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Sept. 11) starting at 3:00 p.m. (EDT).

(Vernon Downs)