Tracy Brainard’s fast-striding trotter Frosty Flirt didn’t disappoint in Friday night’s $10,000 featured Open-1 contest at Vernon Downs
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Assigned the outside seven post in Friday’s ninth event, Frosty Flirt ($4.50) got away fourth as Vacation Day cut a quarter in :27.2, a half in :57.3 and three-quarters in 1:26.1 over a track labeled 'good.'
Moving into contention on the backstretch, the feisty four-year-old mare finally took the lead in the final furlong and drew off for an one and a quarter length victory over her pacesetting rival. The 1:55 clocking was a new win mark for the bay daughter of Plesac-Village Flirt, and it was just ticks of the timer off the fastest trotting mile at the 14-night meeting. The Brainard trainee now sports two wins in three current outings, 12 lifetime tallies and total earnings of more than $256,000.
Driver Frank Milby also won with the Sam Serianni-conditioned trotter Beccas Girl (2:01.2) to earn his meet-leading fifth double of the local campaign.
Leading dash-winning pilot Jimmy Whittemore captured the 12-race card’s final three events to post his third triple of the year at Vernon, while driver Chris Lems also chalked up a double.
Despite the off track label, eight of Friday’s first-place finishers earned new win marks.
The Bay Pond Racing Stable’s sophomore trotter State Fair remained unbeaten after two current starts after a 1:58.4 career-best 1:58.4 showing for driver Joe Nassimos and trainer Howard Okusko, Sr. in Friday’s fifth event.
Fans attending tomorrow (May 21) will get the opportunity to watch and wager on thoroughbred racing’s Preakness Stake from Maryland, then stay for Vernon’s 12-race live card, that begins at 7:05 p.m. Saturday’s talent rich line-up includes the week’s $10,000 Open pace, plus five elimination divisions for the $500,000 Empire Breeders Classic sophomore trot that will conclude on Monday afternoon, May 30. There will be no live racing at the Downs on Thursday (May 26) due to the Memorial Day matinee at 1:15 p.m. on May 30. Thursday programs will resume on June 2.
(Vernon Downs)