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Saturday, June 27, 2015

Vernon Racing Recap - Friday, June 26, 2015

by James Witherite, Vernon Downs racing media

The Filly Princess holds sway in featured distaff

Vernon, N.Y. -- After sustaining an early push to the lead, The Filly Princess ($5.90) held off a late charge from her pocket rival to take Friday (June 26) evening's $10,000 Mares Open Pace at Vernon Downs.

After Express Jet (John MacDonald) split Love You Bye (Jimmy Whittemore) and Tiger Boudoir (Truman Gale) to establish the early lead in a :27.4 first quarter, Frank Davis charged to the front with The Filly Princess.  The 7-year-old Bettor's Delight mare caught a :58.2 middle half breather, digging in off the far turn to stave off a late charge from pocket rival Express Jet.  The Filly Princess prevailed by half a length, holding firm for a 1:53.3 triumph.  Tiger Boudoir stayed on off a ground-saving trip to take third.

Andy Gardner trains The Filly Princess for Standardbred Ventures, Inc.

Davis scored a driving double on the evening's 10-race program, as did Joe Nassimos.

Racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (June 27) evening, with post time slated for 6:45 p.m. Eastern time.