Gate to wire for race favorite at Vernon

Sgt Papa Daddy (Rockin Image) and driver John MacDonald captured the featured $8,700 harness racing trot at Vernon Downs on Saturday (November 5).

Bluesville (Frank Affrunti) went to the front and led to the quarter in :26.3.  Sgt Papa Daddy ($3.30) took over control going around the first turn and was first to the half in :56.2.  Shrimp And Grits (Leon Bailey) was first to make a move going first-over around the final turn.  Sgt Papa Daddy led to three-quarters in 1:25.2.

As they reached the stretch Sgt Papa Daddy broke free and made it a battle for second as he won easily in 1:52.3 by three and one-quarter lengths.  Shrimp And Grits finished second.  Bluesville was third best.

Sgt Papa Daddy is an 8-year-old gelding owned by MacDonald and trained by Kimberly Hines.  It was his fifth win in 2022.  He now has 41 career victories. He paid $3.30 to win as the race favorite.

SGT PAPA DADDY REPLAY

MacDonald drove three winners on the card.  Adam Capizzano had a driving-training double for the second day in a row.  Hines had a training double and Joe Nassimos had a driving double.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (November 11).

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs