I Am Golden fired late to take the $6,500 featured pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday, Oct. 6.
Oh My Joepa took control just before hitting the first quarter in :26.4. He led them to the half in :56.0 and three-quarters in 1:24.3.
I Am Golden was fifth and last at the first three markers. Tarport Andy was the first to put pressure on Oh My Joepa. I Am Golden stalked and went three wide in mid-stretch. Owned by Paula Sarcone and trained by driver Ron Harp, he would wear down second place finisher Oh My Joepa and get by just before the wire to win in 1:52.3. Golden Gun finished third.
I Am Golden is a four-year-old gelding by Allthatgltrsisgold. It was his ninth win this season and the 14th victory for his career. He paid $11.60 to win.
John MacDonald drove four and trained three winners on the night.
MacDonald drove and trained Round The Beach ($2.50), Machmemackie ($8.20) and Western Toro to victories. He also drove Deaks Sweetie Pie ($14.60) to a first-place finish.
With just eight racing days left in the 2018 season, Jimmy Whittemore leads all drivers with 101 wins. Defending-champion John MacDonald is just two back with 99 wins. Truman Gale is third with 52 wins. Claude Huckabone III (44) and Leon Bailey (39) round off the top five.
On the training side John MacDonald has a comfortable lead with 55 wins. Jimmy Whittemore is second best with 34 training victories. Homer Hochstetler sits third with 30 trips to the winner's circle. Truman Gale is fourth with 28 tallies. Robert Gale is fifth with 25 wins.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday, Oct. 12 with a 6:10 p.m. post time.
(With files from Vernon Downs)