Favorites take Vernon Downs co-features

Joxter (Chapter Seven) with driver Dan Daley and Syracuse Express (American Ideal) with driver John MacDonald each captured their harness racing co-features at Vernon Downs on Saturday (May 18).

Joxter ($3.10) grabs the $8,500 Open Trot.

Bourbon Express (John MacDonald) grabbed the early lead and was first to the quarter in :26.2.  He used a :29.0 second quarter to be first to the half in :55.2.  Joxter made his move first-up going around the final turn.  Bourbon Express led to three-quarters in 1:24.1.

As they reached the stretch Joxter took control and won easily in a lifetime best of 1:52.3.  Makadushin N Cheez (Ron Harp) came up to take second.  Bourbon Express had to settle for third.

Joxter is a 6-year-old gelding owned by Ann-Mari Daley and trained by Dan Daley.  It was his first win this season and the 23rd of his career.

JOXTER REPLAY

Syracuse Express ($2.50) hangs on to win the $8,500 Open Pace.

Syracuse Express laid down all the early fractions (:26.0, :55.0, and 1:23.0).

As they made the turn for home Primo Uomo (Leon Bailey) pulled out of the pocket and came after the leader.  Syracuse Express dug in and Primo Uomo kept coming.  Syracuse Express held on to win in a lifetime best of 1:50.3.  Primo Uomo had to settle for second.  To The Hunt (Dylan Huckabone-Miller) finished third.

Syracuse Express is a 5-year-old horse owned by James DeArmond, Sal Vullo, and trainer Jessica Okusko.  It was his first win in 2024.  He now has 12 career victories.

SYRACUSES EXPRESS REPLAY

John MacDonald had a driving grand slam.  Leon Bailey had a driving hat trick.  Jessica Okusko, Dan Daley, Claude Huckabone III, and Leopold Sawyers all had training doubles.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (May 24) at 4:00 p,m.

For more information, click here.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs