So Diva holds on for smart win

So Diva (So Surreal, Justin Huckabone) captured the $9,200 Fillies & Mares Open harness racing pace at Vernon Downs on Friday (Aug 5).

So Amazing (Fran Affrunti) blasted out to the front and led to the quarter in :27.3.  So Diva ($3.80) made her move first-over heading to the backstretch.

She was first to the half in :56.4.  Treasurethosechips (Leon Bailey) came first-up and challenged for the lead as they went around the final turn.  So Diva shook her off and was first to three-quarters in 1:24.4.

As they made the turn for home So Diva had plenty in the tank.  So Amazing came all out after her but had to settle for second as So Diva won in a seasonal best of 1:52.3.  Treasurethosechips finished third.

SO DIVA REPLAY

So Diva is a 4-year-old mare by So Surreal.  She is owned by Morrisville College Foundation Inc. and trained by Kerin Warner.  It was her fourth win this season.  She now has 16 career victories.

Justin Huckabone and Steeven Genois each had driving doubles on the card.  Huckabone got his other win with Stewardoftheland (Huntsville) ($2.90).  Genois had wins with Blowin Smoke (Heston Blue Chip) ($3.40), and Par Intended (No Pan Intended) ($10.60).

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (August 6) with a 10-race card starting at 6:05 p.m.
For more information click here.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs