Patricia Crawford’s speedy side-wheeler Soldier Boy equaled the fastest mile of the 15-night Vernon Downs meeting with a 1:53.1 performance in the $3,400 fourth race on Saturday night

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Trainer Chris Lems did the driving as Soldier Boy started his march to the top from fourth at the half. The seven-year-old son of Rambaran-Lots Of Magic closed from third in the homestretch and drew off to a 3-3/4 length victory over Speedtrap Hall. Danger Signs, the favourite, finished third.

Having earned his first score in three current outings and ninth overall, the career-winner of $46,659 paid $29.80, $12.80 and $5.10 across the board.

Fellow pacer Four One One had established the 1:53.1 season’s speed standard here on May 2.

Lems, current dash leader Howard Okusko, Jr. and Jim Bailey each posted a pair of first-place finishes during Saturday’s nine-race program.

Top provisional pilot Leon Bailey raised his current win total to four after steering the Jeff Johnson, Jr.-trained, Jessica Markle-owned pacer Sleepintheniteaway to a 1:55.3 victory in the night’s opener.

Vernon will present a special 11-event card at 1:15 p.m. on Memorial Day afternoon that will feature the $400,000-plus finals in the Empire Breeders Classic for three-year-old trotters, as well as the week’s Open trot and pace.

(Vernon Downs)