War Of Will landed a 36-1 upset for trainer-driver John MacDonald in the $11,806 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Belmont Royale N (Chris Long) was first to the quarter in a smoking :25.1 with War Of Will tucked in the pocket. Blazing Home N (Larry Stalbaum) took command heading for the backstretch and led to the half in :53.4 and three-quarters in 1:22.2.
Eventual second-place finisher Belmont Royale N took the lead as they reached the stretch, but War Of Will made his move three-wide and soared clear by a length to lower his lifetime mark to 1:49.4. Digging For Gold (Ron Harp) finished third.
War Of Will is a seven-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous-Wishfor Rocknroll owned by J P Stables of Winchester, Ont. He took his fourth victory of the season in 25 starts and 23rd lifetime in 142. The win payout was $74.76.
Jacquavyian Carter had a driving grand slam on the 13-race card. He picked up wins with Elred ($2.62), Bicorne Hanover ($6.58), Mattucci ($15.32) and Manador ($4.08). MacDonald had a driving-training double. Joe Skowyra and Jessica Okusko each harnessed two winners.
Vernon Downs will host its next card on Friday, Sept. 18 with a post time of 5:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)