Special Olivia dug in to win the featured $5,500 fillies & mares pace at Vernon Downs on Friday (May 5) for driver Leon Bailey.

Special Olivia ($2.90) charged right to the front, but Peggy J (John MacDonald) took control just before hitting the first quarter in :28.  She used a :29.3 second quarter to reach the half in :57.3. Special Olivia made her move going around the final turn and led to three-quarters in 1:26.1. As they reached the stretch, Lorrie Sue (Frank Affrunti), Milleniums Girl (Barton Dalious) and Party Queen (Dylan Huckabone-Miller) all came after Special Olivia, but she was up for the challenge and held on to win in 1:54.4. Milleniums Girl was second best and Party Queen finished third. 

Special Olivia is a five-year-old mare by Roll With Joe.  She is owned by Michael Moore and trained by Michelle Warner. The win was her second this season from seven starts and her 11th career victory. 

Chris Long and Jimmy Whittemore had driving doubles on the night.  Trainers Wil Dubois and Marissa Chadbourne each reached the winner’s circle twice on the card. 

Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Derby Day, Saturday, May 6 with a nine-race card starting at 5:05 p.m. 

(With files from Vernon Downs)