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Tomas (Art Major) and harness racing driver Artie Dick charged late to capture the $10,000 70th Anniversary Open Pace as Vernon Downs turned 70 on Saturday (July 1).
Syracuse Express (John MacDonald) grabbed the lead and was first to the quarter in :26.2. He used a :29.2 second quarter to be first to the half in :55.4. Warrawee Unique was first to make a move and challenged for the lead going around the final turn. Syracuse Express was first to three-quarters in 1:23.2.
Tomas ($5.30) made a three-wide move as they made the turn for home. Second place finisher Syracuse Express gave everything he had but Tomas blew on by to win in a lifetime best of 1:50.2. Chateroll (Frank Affrunti) finished third.
Tomas is a 6-year-old gelding owned by White Yeti Racing and trained by Dick. He is now three for three in 2023. He now has eight career victories.
TOMAS REPLAY
Discus Hanover (Credit Winner) and driver Roman Lopez took the $7,500 Jim Moran Trot.
Life Well Lived (Frank Affrunti) was first to the quarter in :28.0. Discus Hanover ($3.20) took over control as they headed to the backstretch. He was first to the half in :58.3 and he breezed to three-quarters in 1:27.3.
As they reached the stretch second place finisher Lepanto (Barton Dalious) went all out after the lead, but Discus Hanover was too strong and won in 1:56.1. Poker Play (Steeven Genois) was third.
Discus Hanover is a 6-year-old gelding owned by Phillip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst. It was his fourth win this season and 36th career victory.
DISCUS HANOVER REPLAY
Stewardoftheland (Huntsville) and driver Claude Huckabone Jr. won the $6,500 Political Friends of Vernon Downs Pace.
Major Leaguer (Jimmy Whittemore) laid down all the early fractions :26.4, :56.1, 1:24.4.
As they reached the stretch Stewardoftheland ($7.90) came flying like a freight train and went on by to win in 1:52.4. Major Leaguer had to settle for second. Last Call Larry (Barton Dalious) was third best.
Stewardoftheland is a 4-year-old gelding owned and trained by David Koslowsky. It was his fourth win this season. He now has eight career victories.
STEWARDOFTHELAND REPLAY
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (July 7) starting at 4 p.m.
For more information, click here.
For complete race results, click here.
by John Horne, for Vernon Downs
