Merrow flies late to win

Merrow (Chris Long) takes the $8,500 featured Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (June 27).

Natameri (John NacDonald) went straight to the front and led to the first quarter in :27.0.  He used a :29.2 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.2.  Triple Sevens (Leon Bailey) was first to make a move heading around the final turn.  Natameri reached three quarters first in 1:24.1.

As they reached the stretch there was a mad scramble for the lead.  Second place finisher Bluesville (Ron Harp) took a short lead, but Merrow ($7.98) came flying down the lane like he was shot out of a cannon and got up in time to win in 1:52.4.  Primo Uomo (Jimmy Whittemore) finished third.

MERROW REPLAY

Merrow is a 4-year-old horse by Stag Party.  He is owned by Suheil Ashkar and trained by Joe Sansone.  It was his fourth win this season and his 15th career victory.

Leon Bailey had a driving triple.  John MacDonald, Jimmy Whittemore, and Chris Long had driving doubles.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (July 3) with a post time of 5:05 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.

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

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs