New mark for So Diva in pocket-popping win

So Diva (So Surreal, Steeven Genois) popped the pocket to capture the harness racing $9,200 Fillies & Mares Open at Vernon Downs on Friday (August 26).

So Amazing (Frank Affrunti) went right to the front and led to the quarter in :27.1.  She used a a :29.1 second quarter and was first to the half in :56.2.  So Diva ($5.10) continued in the pocket from the start.  So Amazing led to three-quarters in 1:23.3.

As they made the turn for home So Diva popped out of the pocket and she meant business.  She glided to the front and won easily in a lifetime best of 1:51.3.  Dudes Sweet Bet (John MacDonald) came on late to finish second.  So Amazing had to settle for third money.

So Diva is a 4-year-old mare.  She is owned by Morrisville College Foundation Inc. and trained by leading trainer Kerin Warner.  It was her sixth win this season and her 18^th career victory.

Barton Dalious, John MacDonald, Frank Affrunti, and Leon Bailey all had driving doubles on the card.  George Ducharme had a training double.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (August 27) including a leg of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old pacing fillies.  Post time for the 13-race card is 6:05 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs