Valottalove and John MacDonald captured the $10,274 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Thursday (July 11).

Zapaca (Steeven Genois) grabbed the early lead but Valottalove went on by to lead to the quarter in :27.1. He slowed things down and used a :30.2 second quarter to be first to the half in :57.3 and maintained the lead to three-quarters in 1:26.1. As they reached the stretch, Zapaca pulled out of the pocket and went all out after the leader. Valottalove was just too strong and won in 1:55.2. Zapaca had to settle for second money while Conquest As (Chris Long) finished third.

Valottalove is a five-year-old gelding by Love You. He is owned by the JP Stables and trained by MacDonald. With his fifth win this season, he now has 14 career victories. He paid $3.90 to win.

Drivers Leon Bailey and MacDonald won nine of the 12 races on Thursday night. Bailey drove five winners on the card, winning with Nicholas Blue Chip, Fear The Virgin, Lady To Watch, Courtly Prince and Joyful Lady. MacDonald steered four horses to the winner’s circle. His other three wins came with The Hunt Is On, Tullow N and Maching Me Zilly.

Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday, July 13 at 6.05 p.m. There is no live racing on Friday, July 12 because the band Night Ranger will be performing at the track. The concert time is 8 p.m.

(With files from Vernon Downs)