Paul and Pauline Nower’s Rapphappy Kash became the meet’s first four race winning trotter with a convincing, 1:592 triumph in Friday’s $11,700 final of the Lotto S Collins Trotting Series, and Alan Schwartz’s Iroquoindiangiver displayed his best form with a tight, 1:58 decision in the week’s top contest for Open square-gaiters.

Trainer Gary Gibson got the first of a driving double when he guided Rapphappy Kash on an overland journey from fourth at the half-mile pole, which enabled the 3-year-old colt to gain the lead as he entered the homestretch. Once in command, the career winner of nearly $35,000 drew-off and scored by five lengths and remain unbeaten after four starts this year.

The silvery-gray Lotto S Collins, his current owner Carol Okusko, and former caretakers Eric Felter and Mary Beth (Nelson) Fisher were all on hand for the winner’s circle trophy presentation to Rapphappy Kash, a 3-year-old son of El Paso Kash--Cry Happy, who became Vernon’s second four time winner of 2004, and who tied the pacer Raining Again for most consecutive victories at the 17-night-old meet.

A New York Sire Stakes Final winner at both ages two and three, Iroquoindiangiver raced on the front end throughout his Open mile and had enough left gusto left at the finish to hold-off the closing Greatest Hit by one-half length. It was the first tally in two efforts this year for the 4-year-old son of Giant Hit--Sister Oliver, who bumped his lifetime bankroll to $350,427. The win gave Howard Okusko, Jr., the meet’s top race winner, his fourth driving double of 2004 at the Downs.

Vernon’s next live harness program will come on Saturday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. (EDT).

by Jim Moran, publicity director, Vernon Downs Courtesy of the USTA