Vernon, N.Y. -- Fresh off his Canada Day hat trick, driver
John MacDonald registered another three-win night on Saturday (July 2) at
Vernon Downs--but he had to share top honors with Chris Lems over the course of
the nine-race card.
MacDonald held sway narrowly with the favored Count Speed
($4.60) in the featured $5,500 Miracle Mile Trot, controlling the pace and
prevailing over the first-over Walk the Floor in 1:55.2. The "Prime
Minister" also trains the 7-year-old Majestic Son gelding for owners Paul
and Patricia O'Neil. MacDonald's other two driving wins on the night came
aboard Doug Miller trainee Shoemaker Hanover ($7.80, 1:58.1) and Dave Dewhurst
trainee Choke Hold ($4.80, 1:56.2).
Lems drove the longest-priced winner of the night in Fox
Valley Photog ($46.00, 1:57) as part of his hat trick, also teaming up with
Winbak Meadow ($9.40, 1:58) and the impressive Swinging Royalty ($2.20,
1:54.1), who sprinted off to a 15-length triumph in a $3,600 trotting event for
young distaffers.
After a dark day on Sunday, Vernon Downs will offer a
12-race Independence Day card. Post time on Monday (July 4) is slated for 1:25
p.m. Eastern.
