Syracuse Express took the $10,274 featured conditioned pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday, July 19 for his first win since March.
The stallion went to the front for Chris Long and led to the quarter in :26.2, then put up uncontested middle fractions of :55.2 and 1:23.3. It remained a tight pack as the field of four raced to the far turn. War Of Will (John MacDonald) was first to make a move on the final bend, but Syracuse Express let it out a notch at the top of the stretch and made it a race for second as he won easily by two lengths in 1:51.4. Major Leaguer (Jimmy Whittemore) won the photo for second over Mister Miami (Brad Irvine). The winner returned $4.70.
Syracuse Express, a six-year-old son of American Ideal-City Delight, is now three-for-15 this year. Trainer Jessica Okusko shares ownership with James De Armond and Salvatore Vullo. He has won 17 of 76 career starts.
Long had a driving hat trick on the eight-race program.
Vernon Downs will host its next card of live racing on Thursday with a post time of 5:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)