Haveitalltogether and Notwithoutafight captured the $3,600 features at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Sept. 12).
In the featured trot, Haveitalltogether charged to the lead and led to the first quarter in :27.4. Stache came first-up and took over as they headed to the backstretch and led to the half in :57.2. Haveitalltogether made a move first-over from third as Stache continued to lead to three-quarters in 1:27.1.
As they made the turn for home Stache and Haveitalltogether were shoulder to shoulder. The two of them dueled down the stretch with Haveitalltogether taking full control in deep stretch to win in a seasonal-best 1:56.1. Stache held on for second. Nanuet came up to finish third.
Haveitalltogether is a five-year-old gelding by Cantab Hall. Owned by Mark Taylor, Toby Russ, Jennifer Russ, and trainer Robyn Mangiardi, he scored his second win of the season and his 12th victory overall. Chris Long drove the $7.30 winner.
In the featured pace, Golden Gun went to the front and laid down the early fractions. He hit the first quarter in :27.1 and slowed towards the half in :56.4. Rise Up Now came first-over and came after Golden Gun, but Golden Gun maintained command to three-quarters in 1:25.2.
As they made the turn for home Notwithoutafight was fourth and took off down the stretch. He went three-wide to blow right on by and win in a lifetime best of 1:52.4. Golden Gun held on for second. Clouseau Hanover came up late to finish third.
Notwithoutafight is a four-year-old gelding by Art Major. He is owned by Ross Bonafield and trained by Brandy Wine. It was his third win of 2020. He now has five career wins. John MacDonald drove the $2.90 winner.
MacDonald drove three winners on the day. Truman Gale and Brett Crawford each drove two winners on the card. Brandy Wine had a training double.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Sept. 18) starting at 3:00 p.m. (EDT).
(Vernon Downs)