Dewey Arnold and driver Ron Harp scored an easy win in the featured conditioned trot, which carried a purse of $10,273, on the Friday, May 3 card of harness racing at Vernon Downs.
Dewey Arnold quickly crossed to the lead from the outside post six and was first to the quarter in :27.1. As he led through a half in :56.3 and three-quarters in 1:26, the favoured Joxter (Dan Daley) advanced first-up from the back of the pack. However, Dewey Arnold shrugged off that rival as they turned for home and cruised to a 2-1/2-length victory in 1:54.3. The winner returned $4.60 as the 6-5 second choice. Joxter settled for second, nosing out pocket-sitter Match My Miracle (Frank Affrunti).
An Open winner at Vernon last season, Dewey Arnold earned his first victory of the year in his fourth start. A career winner of 33 races and more than $477,000, the six-year-old gelding by Deweycheatemnhowe is owned by Philip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst.
John MacDonald drove three winners on the card. Leon Bailey, Frank Affrunti and Ron Harp each had driving doubles. Misty Carey and Jessica Okusko had training doubles.
Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday, May 4 at 5:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)