Cindy Michelle wins in final strides to the wire

Cindy Michelle (John Stark Jr.) charges late to capture the featured $6,000 harness racing trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (September 3).

Jenny Lake (Steeven Genois) took control just before hitting the first quarter first in :27.1. She used a :29 second quarter to hit the half in :56.1. She continued to lead as she hit three-quarters first in 1:25.3.

As they made the turn for home Spoiler Alert popped out of the pocket and challenged for the lead. Cindy Michelle ($23.60) turned on the jets and came flying three-wide down the lane. Second place finisher, Spoiler Alert took a short lead in deep stretch but Cindy Michelle just kept coming and slipped by to win in a lifetime best of 1:54.3. Jenny Lake had to settle for third best.

Cindy Michelle is a 3-year-old filly by E L Titan. She is trained by Stark Jr. for owners Peter Barbato and Sam Bova Racing LLC. Unraced as a 2-year-old she now has seven career victories.

CINDY MICHELLE REPLAY

Leon Bailey drover two winners on the card and leads all drivers with 95 wins. Justin Huckabone had a hat trick and is second on the list with 55 victories. Jimmy Whittemore and Chris Long are for third with 31 trips to the winner’s circle. John MacDonald (21) rounds out the top five.

Jeff Sorenson leads all trainers with 27 wins. Jessica Okusko has 21 victories. Bruce Lauer is third with 17 wins. Kerin Waner trained two winners on the card and is fourth with 17 wins, George Ducharme and Justin Huckabone are tied for fifth with 16 tallies each.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (September 4) with a 10-race card. Post time is 6:10 p.m.

For full race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs