It took a while, but the favourite Yankee Manny finally lived up to expectations in Friday night’s $9,500 Open Trot at Vernon Downs.

Trainer Frank Davis drove in Friday’s featured ninth race as Yankee Manny ($5.70) got away last as the event’s second betting choice, Aruba Vacation, took the six-horse field to the three-quarter-mile mark in 1:26.1.

Advancing overland to third entering the stretch, Yankee Manny shifted into another gear in the final furlong and motored to a one and a half length victory over the on-rushing Manningly.

Friday’s 1:55 score marked the third at the meet, fifth this season and 24th all-time for Brian Green’s six-year-old son of Yankee Glide-Yankee Minuet, who raised his career bankroll to more than $132,300.

Drivers Rick Plano and Frank Milby each posted a pair of first-place finishes during Friday’s 11-race card.

Saturday’s 12-card program, that includes 10 pacing events, will feature four races in the track’s first-annual Father & Son Drivers’ Challenge.

(Vernon Downs)