Docdor Friskie and trainer-driver John MacDonald captured the featured $11,486 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday, Sept. 21.

Docdor Friskie ($6.60) flew off the gate and led to the quarter in :26.3. He used a :29.2 second quarter to be first to the half in :56 and then cruised to three-quarters in 1:24. As they reached the stretch, The Bird Dance N (Truman Gale) popped the pocket and Syracuse Express (Adam Capizzano) came three-wide after the leader. Docdor Friskie dug in and won in 1:51.4. Syracuse Express finished second, while The Bird Dance N was third.

Docdor Friskie is an 11-year-old gelding by Feelin Friskie owned by Miller Racing Stable.

Steeven Genois had a driving grand slam, winning with Sunny Sicily, Awards Night, Rub Me and Samsun Of A Beach (in a dead heat with Unusual Clarity).

Live harness racing returns to Vernon on Friday, Sept. 27, with first post at 6:05 p.m.

(Vernon Downs)