Sgt Papa Daddy and driver John MacDonald came away victorious in Saturday’s $7,000 featured pace at Vernon Downs.
Sgt Papa Daddy ($4.50) went to the front and led to a first quarter of :27.2. Cindys Party Boy (Howard Parker) came first over from third to take over just before the top of the back stretch. He continued to lead to the half in :55 and still controlled the pace to three-quarters in 1:22.3.
Sgt Papa Daddy, who is owned by the J P Stables and trained by MacDonald, sat patiently in the pocket. As they reached the stretch he came out of the pocket and duelled with Cindys Party Boy. Sgt Papa Daddy was too strong in deep stretch and won in a career best time of 1:50.3. Cindys Party Boy settled for second. Legal Power (Chris Long) was third best.
Sgt Papa Daddy is a five-year-old gelding by Rockin Image. It was his seventh win this season. He now has 27 career victories.
Driver Jimmy Whittemore and trainer Jessica Okusko teamed up for two wins on the night. Their wins came with Mancrush ($2.60) and Covered Bridge ($2.60).
Howard Parker drove two winners on the night. His wins came with Obrockoli ($10.60) and Golden Brit $2.70). Golden Brit, who is owned and trained by Mary Nelson, won his fourth straight race at Vernon Downs.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Thursday with a nine race card starting at 6:10 p.m. It will be dollar day at Vernon Downs race track. Live racing programs, 10 ounce sodas, 10 ounce draft beers, hot dogs, and popcorn all available for a dollar each.
(Vernon Downs)