I Am Golden (Ronald Harp) fires late to take the featured harness racing pace ($6,500) at Vernon Downs on Saturday (October 6).
Oh My Joepa (John MacDonald) took control just before hitting the first quarter in :26.4. He led them to the half in :56.0 and three-quarters in 1:24.3.
I Am Golden ($11.60) was fifth and last at the first three markers. Tarport Andy (Leon Bailey) would be the first to put pressure on Oh My Joepa. I Am Golden watched this and went three-wide in mid-stretch. Owned by Paula Sarcone and trained by Harp, he would wear down second place finisher Oh My Joepa and get by just before the wire to win in 1:52.3. Golden Gun (Josh Kinney) finished third.
I Am Golden is a 4-year-old gelding by Allthatgltrsisgold. It was his ninth win this season and the 14th victory for his career.
MacDonald drives four and trains three winners on the night.
John MacDonald drove and trained Round The Beach ($2.50), Machmemackie ($8.20), and Western Toro to victories. He also drove Deaks Sweetie Pie ($14.60) to a first place finish.
With just eight racing days left in the 2018 season, Jimmy Whittemore leads all drivers with 101 wins. Defending champion John MacDonald is just two back with 99 wins. Truman Gale is third with 52 wins. Claude Huckabone III (44) and Leon Bailey (39) round off the top five.
On the training side John MacDonald has a comfortable lead with 55 wins. Jimmy Whittemore is second best with 34 training victories. Homer Hochstetler occupies the spot with 30 trips to the winner's circle. Truman Gale is fourth with 28 tallies. Robert Gale is fifth with 25 wins.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (October 12) with a 6:10 postime.
For more information go to www.vernondowns.com
John Horne for Vernon Downs