by James Witherite, Vernon
Downs racing media
Lucid Thoughts a clear
winner in top Vernon trot
Vernon, N.Y. -- Enjoying a
pocket trip behind Jaipur through a 1:00.3 middle half, the J P Stables' Lucid
Thoughts ($7.60) struck the front in mid-stretch, edging clear through a :27.2
final quarter for a 1-1/2 length victory in Saturday (June 20) evening's $7,000
upper-level conditioned trot at Vernon Downs.
The 7-year-old Cash Hall
gelding floated forward from midfield, securing the pocket behind Jaipur (Fern
Paquet, Jr.) through a :26.4 initial quarter, tracking closely throughout while
Jaipur maintained an uncontested lead until the top of the stretch.
Trainer-driver John MacDonald turned up the pressure off the corner, propelling
Lucid Thoughts to the fore and prevailing in 1:55. Jaipur held second,
while Saint Patty's Doll (Greg Merton) kept up with the top pair to hold third
off a tracking trip.
MacDonald scored four driving
wins on the 13-race program, also teaming up with Damon Blue Chip ($3.30,
1:51.1), Whispur ($11.00, 1:55.4), and Socks and Shuzy ($11.60, 1:57.1).
Live racing returns to Vernon
Downs on Sunday (June 21) afternoon, with the Empire Breeders Classic finals
for 3-year-old trotters headlining the 14-race card. New York Sire Stakes
events for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings comprise the bulk of the
undercard. Post time is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Eastern time.
