Digging For Gold returned to Vernon Downs for the first time this season and used a pocket trip to win the $11,111 Open II Handicap Pace on Saturday, Aug. 29. 

Sling Shock (Chris Long) was put on the point and led to the quarter in :26.3, half in :55 and three-quarters in 1:22.3 with Digging For Gold second for Jimmy Whittemore. As they reached the stretch, Digging For Gold made his move and charged to a lifetime-best victory in 1:50.2 by 1-1/2 lengths. War Of Will (Frank Affrunti) used a late move to finish second. Gold Star Sven (Steeven Genois) got third money.

Digging For Gold, a four-year-old gelding by Huntsville-Gold Orchid N, is owned by George Ducharme Stable LLC, Dr. Megan Moschgat and David and Jim WInske. The George Ducharme trainee is two-for-nine this year and 14-for-38 lifetime. He paid $3.82 to win.

Driver Chris Long took five pacers to the winner’s circle on the nine-race card. Long got his wins with Merrow ($2.46) in 1:51.4 for trainer Joe Sansone, Wonka Bar ($2.18) in 1:54.4 for Rob Harmon, Seaside Star ($2.74) in 1:54 for David Wiskow, Bereaved Hanover ($5.24) in 1:54.1 for Bryson Dunning, and Jk Mcflirt ($8) in 1:55.4 for Michelle Warner. Long is 161-for-1,048 this year.

Frank Affrunti had a driving double.

Vernon Downs will host its next racing card on Friday, Sept. 4 with a first post time of 5:05 p.m. 

(With files from Vernon Downs)