Joxter ($2.70) and trainer/driver Dan Daley won the $10,000 Open Trot at Vernon Downs for the second straight week on Friday (Oct. 28).
Zapaca (John MacDonald) went straight to the front in the Friday feature and led through a quarter in :27.3 and a half in :57. Joxter made his move heading to the final turn and swooped by to be first to three-quarters in 1:25.2. As the trotters made the turn for home, Lightfootedlegend (Todd Cummings) became the major danger and went all out after the leader but Joxter was just too strong and won by equaling his lifetime-best mile in 1:52.4. Lightfootedlegend had to settle for second. Bourbon Express (Frank Affrunti) finished third.
Owned by Ann-Mari Daley, Joxter is a four-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven with 19 career wins. He's earned nine of those wins this season through 21 starts.
John MacDonald, Leon Bailey, Chris Long and Frank Affrunti all had driving doubles. Kerin Warner and Kimberly Hines each had training doubles.
Live harness racing continues at Vernon Downs on Saturday, with a 10-race card starting at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)