Poker Play, Le Massif grab Vernon features

Driver Steeven Genois won the harness racing co-features with Poker Play (Yankee Glide) and Le Massif (Shanghai Phil) on Saturday (Sept. 23) at Vernon Downs.

Poker Play ($4.60) takes the $7,000 featured trot.

SVF Cash Deposit (Barton Dalious) was first to the quarter in :26.2.  Buzz (Tony Ciuffetelli) popped the pocket heading to the backstretch and was first to the half in :56.1. He was in complete control when he led to three-quarters in 1:26.2.

As they made the turn for home SVF Cash Deposit veered out of the two hole and took a short lead.  Second place finisher Crazy Fool (Claude Huckabone Jr.) then took his shot and battled for the lead. Poker Play came flying three-wide down the lane and went on by to win in 1:55.2.  SVF Cash Deposit had to settle for third.

POKER PLAY REPLAY

Poker Play is a 6-year-old gelding. He is owned by Too Rock Stable and trained by Michelle Warner. It was his fourth win this season and his 21^st career victory.

Le Massif ($12.20) captures the $7,000 featured pace.

Dowahs Boy was first to the quarter in :27.0.  He used a :29.1 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.1.  He cruised to three-quarters in 1:24.3.

As they headed for home Le Massif made his move first-up.  He overtook Dowahs Boy and got the win in 1:52.4.  Kisses From Above (Frank Affrunti) came up to finish second.  Dowahs Boy had to settle for third.

LE MASSIF REPLAY

Le Massif is a 4-year-old horse. He is owned by Laurent Pednault and trainer Melannie Boulianne. It was his third win this season. He now owns seven career victories.

Live racing returns on Friday (September 29) at 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