The 7-year-old Cash Hall gelding floated forward from midfield, securing the pocket behind Jaipur (Fern Paquet, Jr.) through a :26.4 initial quarter, tracking closely throughout while Jaipur maintained an uncontested lead until the top of the stretch. Trainer-driver John MacDonald turned up the pressure off the corner, propelling Lucid Thoughts to the fore and prevailing in 1:55. Jaipur held second, while Saint Patty's Doll (Greg Merton) kept up with the top pair to hold third off a tracking trip.
MacDonald scored four driving wins on the 13-race program, also teaming up with Damon Blue Chip ($3.30, 1:51.1), Whispur ($11.00, 1:55.4), and Socks and Shuzy ($11.60, 1:57.1).
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Sunday (June 21) afternoon, with the Empire Breeders Classic finals for 3-year-old trotters headlining the 14-race card. New York Sire Stakes events for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings comprise the bulk of the undercard. Post time is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Eastern time.
by James Witherite, Vernon Downs