Digging For Gold takes Open Pace

Digging For Gold (Ron Harp) charges late to grab the ($8,500) Open Pace at Vernon Downs (October 17).

Fear Romeo (Rock Vinci) went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :26.4.  He cruised to the half using a :28.4 second quarter to be the first one there in :55.3.  Belmont Royale (Chris Long) made the first move going first-up heading around the final turn.  Fear Romeo was first to three quarters in 1:23.4.

As they made the turn for home, it became a free for all.  Third place finisher Merrow (Leon Bailey) slipped through on the inside as second place finisher Belmont Royale came three-wide.  Digging For Gold ($3.56) came flying four-wide to swoop the group and win in 1:51.3.

Digging For Gold is a 4-year-old gelding by Huntsville.  He is owned by the Big Sky Ranch and trained by Harp.  It was his fifth win of the season and his 17th career victory.

DIGGING FOR GOLD REPLAY

Leon Bailey, Truman Gale, Chris Long, and John MacDonald had driving doubles.  Ron Harp had a driving-training double.  Jamie Daley had a training double.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (October 23) with a post time of 5:05 p.m.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs