Bluesville (Ron Harp) and Merrow (Leon Bailey) finish in a dead heat on Friday (October 24) at the recommended pace of $8,500.
Merrow ($2.32) got the first call, but Bluesville ($2.54) took over and led into the quarter in :27.0. He used a second quarter of :29.1 to reach the half first in :56.1. Syracuse Express (John MacDonald) was first to challenge the final corner. Bluesville had a slight lead until three-quarters in 1:24.2.
Bluesville had a brief lead as they entered the stretch. Merrow slipped through on the inside as the two horses fought side by side, reaching the line at the same time and finishing in a dead heat in 1:52.3. Gold Star Sven (Steeven Genois) finished third.
Bluesville is a 6 year old gelding by Huntsville. He is owned by Big Sky Ranch and trained by Harp. It was his sixth victory this season and his 25th career victory.
Merrow is a 3-year-old colt from Bachelor party. He is owned by Suheil Ashkar and trained by Joe Sansone. It was his seventh victory this season and his ninth career victory.
BLUESVILLE/MERROW REPEAT
Bailey had a driving hat trick. John MacDonald and Joe Nassimos had dual training.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (October 25) with a post time of 5:05 p.m.
For more information, visit www.vernondowns.com.
For full race results, click here: American trotting results.
Through Johannes Hoornfor Vernon Downs
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