Owner/trainer/driver Dustin Ingraham sent the nine-year-old Western Ideal gelding right to the front, controlling a :54.2 first half mile while tracked by Giant Sculpture (Roman Lopez). On the far turn, A Fool For Mark kicked clear, leaving Giant Sculpture four lengths behind through a :27.4 third quarter. As Giant Sculpture faded in upper stretch, A Fool For Mark had amassed enough of a margin to stave off late challengers UF Bettors Hanover (Justin Huckabone) and The Green Knight (John MacDonald), both of whom rallied from the back of the pack to finish second and third respectively. A Fool For Mark ultimately held clear by two lengths, wrapping up his winning mile in 1:50.3.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (May 22) evening, with first post scheduled for 6:45 p.m. Eastern time.
by James Witherite, Vernon Downs