Jericho Willies able to grind out impressive score

Jericho Willie (Rock N Roll Heaven) and driver Frank Affrunti won the $7,500 featured harness racing pace on Saturday (June 10) at Vernon Downs.

Stewardoftheland (Claude Huckabone Jr.) went straight to the lead and led to the quarter in :27.4.  He used a :29.1 second quarter to be first to the half in :57.0.  He was still on the point to three-quarters in 1:26.0.

As they made the turn for home Jericho Willie ($7.70) popped the out of the pocket and  challenged for the lead.  Stewardoftheland and Jericho Willie were shoulder to shoulder all the way down the stretch.  Jericho Willie used one late surge to win 1:53.2.  Stewardoftheland had to settle for second.  Ocean Blue (Steeven Genois) finished third.

Jericho Willie is a 7-year-old gelding trained by Misty Carey for owners Michael Kessler and speed To Burn Racing Stable.  It was his third win of the season and the 27^th victory of his career.

JERICHO WILLIE REPLAY

Affrunti drove a natural hat trick to end the evening.  Steeven Genois had a driving double.  Michelle Warner had a training double.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing featuring the Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) for 3-year-old trotters.  Special post time of 12:15 p.m.

For more information, visit here.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs