Majestic Fire and driver Dan Daley captured Friday’s $7,000 featured trot at Vernon Downs, and they did so in come-from-behind fashion.
First Call (Homer Hochstetler) took the lead just before hitting the first quarter in :27.4. She use a second quarter of :29.4 to lead to a half of :57.3. Majestic Fire ($6.40) started to make his move as they headed for the half. He got to within a half length as First Call was first to three-quarters in 1:27.
Majestic Fire, who is owned by Joshua Cukerstein and trained by Wayne Cukerstein, went side by side with First Call all the way down the stretch. Majestic Fire muscled on by just before hitting the wire in 1:55.2. First Call had to settle for second. Spoiler Alert (Leon Bailey) was third best.
Majestic Fire is a four-year-old gelding by Majestic Son. It was his eighth win this season. He now has 14 career victories.
Jennifer Lappe was trainer-driver for three winners on the night. She won with Here Comes Numbers ($17.60), Super Betcha ($5.60) and Multitaskr Hanover ($9.00).
John MacDonald and Claude Huckabone III each had driving doubles. MacDonald won with Lunar Stride ($10.40), and Kabu ($12.20). Huckabone III went to the winner's circle with Frisky Joe ($10.40), and Art Angel Baby ($10.80).
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday with a 13-race card starting at 6:10 p.m.
(Vernon Downs)