John MacDonald scores six-pack at Vernon

Harness racing driver John MacDonald has been on a tear the last two weeks at Vernon Downs. On Friday (August 11) he drove six winners including the $8,500 Open Pace with Syracuse Express (American Ideal).

Lou Ed Zeppelin (Tom Merton) led to the quarter in :28.2.  He used a :29.0 second quarter to be first to the half in :57.2.  Syracuse Express made his move going first-up around the final turn.  Lou Ed Zeppelin had a short lead to three-quarters in 1:26.0.

As they reached the stretch Syracuse Express used a burst of speed to take the lead and make it a race for second as he won in 1:52.4.  Major Leaguer (Jimmy Whittemore) came on to finish second.  Lou Ed Zeppelin had to settle for third.

Syracuse Express is a 4-year-old horse owned by James DeArmond, Sal Vullo, and trainer Jessica Okusko.  It was his fourth win this season and his 10^th career victory. He paid $5.80 to win.

SYRACUSE EXPRESS REPLAY

MacDonald got his other wins with Somelucksomerock, Ashlee’s Supreme, Grateful Express, Sugaree Express, and Nanuet.

For more information, click here.

For full race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs