Unusual Clarity, trained and driven by Ron Harp, dug in to win an exciting $6,500 fillies & mares featured pace at Vernon Downs on Friday (April 28).
Special Olivia (Leon Bailey) got the first call, but Unusual Clarity ($9.70) took over control and led to the first quarter in :27.4. She used a :30.2 second quarter breather to hit the half first in :58.1. Special Olivia made her move first-up going around the final turn and she was first to three-quarters in 1:28 with a head advantage. As they made the turn for home, the two mares slugged it out and continued fighting all the way down the stretch. Unusual Clarity used one late spurt to get the win in 1:55.1. Special Olivia had to settle for second by a neck. Jeannies Terror (Truman Gale) took home third money.
Unusual Clarity is an eight-year-old mare by Betterthancheddar. She is owned by Nicholas Gibides. The win was her second in three starts this season and she now owns 27 career victories.
Leon Bailey drove three winners on the card. Jimmy Whittemore and Frank Affrunti had driving doubles. Lewis Miller had a training double.
Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs with an 11-race card on Saturday.
(With files from Vernon Downs)