Driver Steeven Genois won the co-features with Poker Play and Le Massif on Saturday (Sept. 23) at Vernon Downs.
Poker Play ($4.60) took the $7,000 featured trot.
SVF Cash Deposit (Barton Dalious) was first to the quarter in :26.2. Buzz (Tony Ciuffetelli) popped the pocket heading to the backstretch and was first to the half in :56.1. He was in complete control when he led to three-quarters in 1:26.2. As they made the turn for home, SVF Cash Deposit veered out of the two-hole and took a short lead. Second-place finisher Crazy Fool (Claude Huckabone Jr.) then took his shot and battled for the lead. Poker Play came flying three-wide down the lane and went on by to win in 1:55.2. SVF Cash Deposit had to settle for third.
Poker Play is a six-year-old gelding by Yankee Glide, owned by Too Rock Stable and trained by Michelle Warner. The win was his fourth of the season and his 21st career victory.
Le Massif ($12.20) captured the $7,000 featured pace.
Dowahs Boy was first to the quarter in :27. He took a :29.1 breather to the half in :56.1 and cruised to three-quarters in 1:24.3. As the field headed for home, Le Massif made his move first-up. He overtook Dowahs Boy and got the win in 1:52.4. Kisses From Above (Frank Affrunti) got up to finish second. Dowahs Boy had to settle for third.
Le Massif is a four-year-old horse by Shanghai Phil, owned by Laurent Pednault and trainer Melannie Boulianne. The win was his third of the season and he now has seven career victories.
Live racing returns on Friday, Sept. 29 at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)