Tomas charged late to capture the $10,000 70th Anniversary Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 1). 

Syracuse Express grabbed the lead and was first to the quarter in :26.2. He used a :29.2 second quarter to be first to the half in :55.4. Warrawee Unique was first to make a move and challenged for the lead going around the final turn. Syracuse Express was first to three-quarters in 1:23.2. Tomas made a three-wide move as they made the turn for home. Second-place finisher Syracuse Express gave everything he had, but Tomas blew on by to win in a lifetime best of 1:50.2. Chateroll finished third. 

Tomas is a six-year-old gelding by Art Major. He is owned by White Yeti Racing and trained by driver Artie Dick. He is now three-for-three in 2023 and has eight victories in his career. He paid $5.30 to win.

Discus Hanover took the $7,500 Jim Moran Trot. 

Life Well Lived was first to the quarter in :28. Discus Hanover took over control as they headed to the backstretch. He was first to the half in :58.3 and he breezed to three-quarters in 1:27.3. As they reached the stretch, second-place finisher Lepanto went all out after the lead, but Discus Hanover was too strong and won in 1:56.1. Poker Play was third. 

Discus Hanover is a six-year-old gelding by Credit Winner. He is owned by Phillip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst. It was his fourth win this season and 36th victory overall. Roman Lopez drove the $3.20 winner. 

Stewardoftheland won the $6,500 Political Friends of Vernon Downs Pace. 

Major Leaguer laid down all the early fractions :26.4, :56.1 and 1:24.4. As they reached the stretch, Stewardoftheland came flying like a freight train and went on by to win in 1:52.4. Major Leaguer had to settle for second. Last Call Larry was third best. 

Stewardoftheland is a four-year-old gelding by Huntsville. He is owned and trained by David Koslowsky. It was his fourth win this season and he now has eight victories in his career. Claude Huckabone Jr. drove the $7.90 winner. 

Live harness racing continues at Vernon Downs on Friday, July 7 starting at 4 p.m. (EDT).

(Vernon Downs)