Major Leaguer ($3.00) took the lead just before hitting the first quarter in 26.3. Owned and trained by Whittemore, he would easily lead to the half in :55.3 and hit the three-quarter mark in 1:23.3. Redhot Romeo (Claude Huckabone III) went first over and battled him the whole length of the stretch. Then big long-shot Gypsy Leather (Claude Huckabone Jr.) fired late but fell short to the gutsy Major Leaguer, who finished the mile in 1:51.3. Gypsy Leather settled for second money. Redhot Romeo finished third.
Major Leaguer is a 4-year-old gelding by Art Major. It was his fourth win of the season and his 20th career victory. Whittemore added two more driving wins to his total on the night. His other wins came with Royal Garden N ($4.80) and Skip Jive ($10.40).
Leon Bailey and John MacDonald each had driving doubles.
Bailey won with Alway Flash-N ($4.50) and Fuzzylegsandall ($7.40). MacDonald went to the winner's circle with Northern Express ($7.10) and Northeaster ($4.00).
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Thursday (July12) at 6:10 p.m. The 10 race card features three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 3-year-old pacing fillies.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com
