Exarch ($8) and driver Leon Bailey won a thrilling $7,534 conditioned trot featured at Vernon Downs on Saturday, June 15.
Classic Express (Jimmy Whittemore) got the lead off the gate and led to the quarter in :28.1. Fringed (Dan Daley) went first-up to challenge heading down the backstretch. Classic Express had a short lead to the half in :57.3, but Fringed took control and led to three-quarters in 1:26.1.
As they entered the stretch, Fringed held a slight lead while Grand Slam Hero (Dylan Huckabone-Miller) slipped through on the inside. Exarch then came flying late from the far outside and snuck by to get the win in 1:57. Fringed settled for second, missing by just a nose. Grand Slam Hero finished third.
Exarch is a nine-year-old Cantab Hall gelding owned by Albert Coppini and trained by Michael Collins. The win was his third in nine seasonal starts and marked his 24th career victory.
Frank Affrunti recorded a driving grand slam on the card. He captured three wins with horses trained by George Ducharme. They went to the winner’s circle with Chaplind, Tempville and Villannah. Affrunti's other win was aboard Smokeys Passion.
Live harness racing returns to Vernon Dons on Sunday, June 16, with a 13-race card starting at 12:15 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)