Chatelroll captured the $7,000 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (May 29).
Bruces Magic went to the front and led to the first quarter in :26.4. He continued to lead to the half in :55. Boys Turn was first to make a move as they headed for the far turn. Chatelroll found himself second over in fourth. He then came flying three-wide around the final turn to take the lead, hitting three-quarters first in 1:23.
Chateroll turned it on in the stretch but had to hold off a late charge from runner-up Rollinlikethunder, who finally found an opening in deep stretch. Chatelroll won in a seasonal best time of 1:50.4. Bruces Magic also made a late bid to finish a close third.
Chatelroll is a five-year-old horse by Roll With Joe. He is owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by George Ducharme. It was his third win in 2021. He now has 14 victories. Frank Affrunti drove the $5.50 winner.
Chris Long drove a grand slam on the card. He got his victories with Tragically Hep ($29.40), Immaculate Prayer ($5.00), Meadowbrook Crown ($3.80) and Caravelle ($15.40).
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (June 4) as the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) take center stage featuring three-year-old trotting colts and geldings as well as three-year-old trotting fillies starting at 6:10 p.m. (EDT).
(Vernon Downs)