Digging For Gold swooped the group from seventh at the half to win his third consecutive $11,972 Open Handicap Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Natameri (Jacquavyian Carter) went straight to the front and led to the first quarter in :26.2, then slowed things down with a :29.2 second split to reach the midway point in :55.4. Belmont Royale N (Chris Long) came first-up to challenge for the lead heading around the final turn with the outer flow in a frenzy to three-quarters in 1:23.1 as Digging For Gold remained sixth for Ron Harp.
As they made the turn for home, Belmont Royale N took the lead as Mirragon A (John MacDonald) came three-wide, but Digging For Gold came flying on the outside and soared to a 1:51 victory. He was up by a quarter-length over Mirragon A, with Belmont Royale N third in a four-across finish.
Digging For Gold has come from off the pace in three Vernon Open wins in a row for Harp, who trains him, and owner Big Sky Ranch. The four-year-old Huntsville-Gold Orchid N gelding is now 18-for-43 lifetime. He paid $4.86 to win.
John MacDonald and Leon Bailey had driving hat tricks on the 12-race program. Jimmy Whittemore drove two winners. Michelle Warner, David Dewhurst and MacDonald each tallied two training wins.
Vernon Downs will host its next card on Friday, Oct. 30 with a post time of 5:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)