Optima Kemp with harness racing driver Truman Gale in the bike would capture the Thursday featured trot ($6,100) at Vernon Downs (September 21).
Optima Kemp (Manofmanymissions) would fly from his outside post and go gate-to-wire putting up the fractions :28.2, :59.1, 1:27.4, 1:56.1. Owned by Sergis Racing Stable and trained by Sam Sergi, the 4 year-old mare would be followed by Miss Ruby (John MacDonald) the whole way, turning it on in the stretch to win in a lifetime best time.
Miss Ruby settled for second while Foxy Swan (Atlee Bender) would get third.
Optima Kemp ($4.80) would win for the sixth time this season while racking up 10 lifetime wins.
Truman Gale would get a driving double on the night. He would also win with E R Rhonda (Moon Beam) in 1:53.2 while paying $8.30. Claude Huckabone III would win two as well. Getting victories with long shots Treewood ($69.50), and Private Performanc ($18.80).
Leading driver John MacDonald was held to just one win on the night after getting 30 wins in the last five racing dates at the miracle mile.
Vernon Downs returns to live action on Friday (9-22) featuring two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes. The 12 race card begins at 6:45p.m.
For more information please go www.vernondowns.com
John Horne for Vernon Downs