Driver Leon Bailey won five races, including the featured $11,972 conditioned pace with Merrow, at Vernon Downs on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Merrow ($5.76) grabbed the early lead, but Bluesville (Ron Harp) took over just before hitting the quarter first in :27.3.  Syracuse Express (John MacDonald) then came first-up to challenge heading down the backstretch, pressuring Bluesville through the half in :55.3 and three-quarters in 1:23.3. As they reached the stretch, Merrow popped out of the pocket and pulled into the lead. Eventual second-place finisher Gold Star Sven (Steeven Genois) came flying late in deep stretch, but Merrow dug in and won by a head, equalling his lifetime best of 1:52.1. Bluesville had to settle for third.

Merrow, a three-year-old son of Stag Party-Siobhan, is now 10-for-31 lifetime. The colt is owned by Suheil Ashkar and trained by Joe Sansone.

Bailey's other wins came in succession in Races 2-5. He scored with American Sunshine ($3.32), Captain Conan ($5.36), Taxi Out S ($12.18), and Aces Or Bettor ($2.24). The reinsman has racked up 203 victories this season and is closing in on his best yearly total of 213. With Saturday's haul, he moved into a tie for the lead in the drivers' standings, now equal with Chris Long on 99 wins.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday, Nov. 7 with a post time of 5:05 p.m. 

(With files from Vernon Downs)