Merrow tripped out in his seasonal debut to win the $11,644 Open Pace over a sloppy track at Vernon Downs on Saturday, April 25.

Primo Uomo (Frank Affrunti) was first to the quarter in :27 and led to the half in :56.3 with Merrow (Chris Long) sitting the pocket. Aces Or Bettor (Leon Bailey) came first-up to challenge going around the final turn, pressuring Primo Uomo to three-quarters in 1:24.3. As they reached the stretch, Merrow came flying out of the pocket and stormed past Primo Uomo to win by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:53.1. War Of Will (John MacDonald) finished third.

Merrow, a four-year-old son of Stag Party-Siobhan, is now 12-for-34 lifetime. The stallion is owned by Suheil Ashkar and trained by Joe Sansone. He paid $8.68 to win.

An accident occurred in the second race in which Jumping Jake, driven by Leon Bailey, broke stride while leading down the stretch and was collected by Myells Rockstar (Joe Nassimos), unseating both drivers. Myells Rockstar fell, while Jumping Jake stayed up, galloped down the stretch, and was caught. Both drivers were quickly on their feet and continued driving on the card. Myells Rockstar got up and walked off the track. Updates on those involved will be published if made available.

Steeven Genois, Jeff Gregory and Chris Long all had driving doubles on the 10-race card. Trainers Jessica Okusko, John Stubits and Joe Sansone sent out two winners each.

Vernon Downs hosts its next card on Friday, May 1 with a post time of 5:05 p.m.

(With files from Vernon Downs)