Vernon, N.Y. — Despite being outsprinted early by all six of his harness racing rivals, Cascata ($14.20) kicked cover from fourth-over off the far turn, circling the field for a 1:52 victory in Sunday (August 30) afternoon's featured $7,000 top-level conditioned pace at Vernon Downs.
Frank Milby settled the 7-year-old American Ideal gelding well off dueling leaders Sassy Hanover (Claude Huckabone, Jr.) and Smile a Little (Austin Siegelman), who battled stoutly through a :54.1 half mile. Outer flow developed behind Smile a Little at Race's midpoint, with Oh My Joepa (John MacDonald) chasing from second-over. Tundra (Truman Gale) and Cascata angled third- and fourth-over respectively, and they would both benefit from clear trips off the pressured pace. While Oh My Joepa was first to make a three-wide bid at a 1:23 three-quarter mark, he would ultimately be outkicked by Cascata in mid-stretch after himself collaring the dueling pacesetters. Cascata drew away minimally in the final yards, defeating Oh My Joepa by three-quarters of a length while Tundra stayed on to finish third after he was bothered in mid-stretch by a breaking Melvyn (Roman Lopez).
Dustin Ingraham trains Cascata for Elizabeth Zimmerman.
The afternoon's program also saw six trotters compete in a non-wagering Racing Under Saddle event, and the patient Emma Wahlberg prevailed aboard Sweetie's Secret. Brett Crawford trains the 7-year-old Yankee Glide mare who angled off the pegs on the far turn, pushing clear of a tiring My Friend Charlie in upper stretch before ultimately reeling in Funny Photo, who made a costly break in the final yards after taking charge in the third quarter. Sweetie's Secret won by two lengths in 2:00.4 over Funny Photo (Sophie Engerran), while Alarming Quick (Ashley Eldred) made a mild bid to take third while well detached from the top pair.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (September 4) evening, with post time at 6:45 p.m. Eastern.
by James Witherite, Vernon Downs