There was a lot of love for Woodside Gabe in the winner's circle at Vernon Downs on Saturday, Aug. 31 after the trotter cracked the code for his first Open Trot victory.

In the $11,486 dash, the Fink/Moriarity Wedding Celebration Open Trot, Zapaca (Steeven Genois) fronted the field to a :27.4 opening quarter before being collared by Valottalove (John MacDonald). The lead changed hands after the :57 half as Woodside Gabe (Leon Bailey) made his move heading to the final turn to take over with a 1:25.2 third quarter.

As they reached the stretch Woodside Gabe just took off and won going away in a lifetime best of 1:54.1.  Zapaca finished second, while Valottalove had to settle for third.

Woodside Gabe ($10.80) is a four-year-old gelding by Dover Dan, trained by Amanda Bailey for owners Joe Facin Jr. and David Faile. It was his third win this season and he now sports nine career victories and $57,733 in earnings.

Vernon Downs returns to live harness racing on Labour Day Monday (Sept. 2) starting at 12:15 p.m.

(with files from Vernon Downs)