Driver John MacDonald has been on a tear the last two weeks at Vernon Downs, and on Friday, Aug. 11, he drove six winners including the Open Pace champ, Syracuse Express ($5.80).
In the featured $8,500 Open, Lou Ed Zeppelin (Tom Merton) led to the quarter in :28.2 and the half in :57.2. MacDonald made his move with Syracuse Express going first-up around the final turn. Lou Ed Zeppelin had a short lead to three-quarters in 1:26, but as they reached the stretch, Syracuse Express used a burst of speed to take the lead and make it a race for second as he won in 1:52.4. Major Leaguer (Jimmy Whittemore) came on to finish second and Lou Ed Zeppelin had to settle for third.
Syracuse Express is a four-year-old horse by American Ideal. He is owned by James DeArmond, Sal Vullo, and trainer Jessica Okusko. The win was his fourth this season from 11 starts and his 10th career victory.
MacDonald got his other wins with Somelucksomerock ($71) for trainer Barbara Stephenson,Grateful Express ($4.10) for Michael Collins, Ashlees Supreme ($8.10) for Philip Doyle, Sugaree Express ($4.70) for Okusko and Nanuet ($15.60) for Richard Papa.
Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday, Aug. 12 with a 15-race card featuring New York Sire Stakes freshman pacers starting at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)