Oregon Trail charged late to capture the $6,500 featured pace on Saturday (July 15) at Vernon Downs.
After battling Northern Rein to the first quarter, Jericho Willie got there first in :26.1. The two continued to slug it out all the way down the backstretch. Northern Rein led to the half in :54.1 before Jericho Willie regained the lead and led to three-quarters in1:23. As they made the turn for home, the eventual second-place finisher, Rally Your Crew, grabbed a short lead. Oregon Trail found an opening by the pylons and slipped by to win in a lifetime best of 1:51.4. Treacherous Tom finished third.
Oregon Trail is a six-year-old gelding by Bettors Delight and is owned and trained by Robert Leslie. This was his second win this season from 18 starts and his 16th victory in his career. Jimmy Whittemore drove the $6.80 winner.
Later in the night, Warrawee Unique and driver Barton Dalious captured the Carol, Howard & Shari Okusko Memorial Pace. He is owned by Betcha Win Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson. He paid $2.60 to win.
Hannahs Match won the Oliver Peterson Memorial Trot in a thriller. She paid a whopping $78 to win. She is owned and trained by Hannah Miller. Michael Miller sat in the sulky.
John MacDonald led all drivers at the end of the night upping his meet total to 38 wins. Barton Dalious is in second with 35 tallies. Frank Affrunti is third best with 28 victories. With three wins on the card, Jimmy Whittemore moved into fourth with 26 wins. Steeven Genois sits fifth with 25 wins.
Michelle Warner leads all trainers with 22 wins at the meet. Claude Huckabone III is second with 18 trips to the winner’s circle. Jeff Sorenson (16), David Dewhurst (15) and Chip Zombick round out the top five.
Vernon Downs hosts its next live racing card on Friday, July 21 at 4 p.m. (EDT).
(With files from Vernon Downs)