MacDonald takes both Vernon Opens

Leading driver John MacDonald swept the harness racing features with Dewey Arnold (Deweycheatumnhowe) and Primo Uomo (Heston Blue Chip) in route to a grand slam on Saturday (November 11) at Vernon Downs.

Dewey Arnold ($2.80) cruises to easy win in the $9,000 Open Trot.

Dewey Arnold went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :26.3.  He slowed things down and used a :29.0 second quarter to be first to the half in :55.3.  He used another :29.0 quarter and breezed to three-quarters in 1:24.3.

As they reached the stretch Dewey Arnold just took off.  Second place finisher Golden Kronos gave late chase but could only watch as Dewey Arnold won in 1:53.3.  Sevenshotsobourbon (Tom Merton) finished third.

Dewey Arnold is a 5-year-old gelding.  He is owned by Phillip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst.  It was his sixth win this season.  He now owns 31 career victories.

Primo Uomo ($8.20) captures the $9,000 Open Pace.

Bluesville (Tom Merton) darted straight to the front.  Primo Uomo came first-over and got by just before hitting the quarter first in :26.4.  He was first to the half in :56.0.  JM’s Delight (Greg Merton) came first-up to challenge going around the final turn.  Primo Uomo was first to three-quarters in 1:24.2.

As they made the turn for home Primo Uomo had plenty in the tank and won in 1:52.1.  JM’s Delight had to settle for second money.  Buzzer (Artie Dick) finished third.

Primo Uomo is a 3-year-old gelding.  He is trained by David Dewhurst for owners Chris and Dale Lawton.  It was his 15^th win this season and his the 16^th win of his career.

MacDonald got his other wins with Buzz and Certified Agent.

Vernon Downs will close out the 2023 live racing season on Friday (November 17) and Saturday (November 18().  Post time for both nights is 6:05 p.m.

For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs