Baileysirishdream scores in Vernon feature

Baileysirishdream wore down the early leader in the third quarter before trotting on to a 1:57.3 victory in Thursday night’s fourth race at Vernon Downs.

Jimmy Whittemore, the meet’s second-leading dash-winner, did the teaming for trainer Ray Van Dreason as Baileysirishdream advanced from sixth at the quarter to fourth at the half, timed in :58 over a “sloppy” track. The brown daughter of Matchem Hanover-Lady Isabeau then went head to head with the pacesetting favorite Marian’s Man in a leadership battle before taking charge turning for home and drawing off to win by nearly three lengths.

The 4-year-old mare’s career-best clocking resulted in her initial season’s score and 18th lifetime tally. Richard and Barbara Bailey own the all-time winner of more than $182,000.

Chris Lems, currently third in races won at the meet, collected a pair of first-place finishes (Beauclaire Bono and L’Argent Hall) during Thursday’s nine-race card, as did driver Bill Bailey (Neptune T and Crowbar Hotel).

Beauclaire Bono’s 1:56.3 maiden-breaking victory in Thursday’s second race proved to be the evening’s fastest mile. The 3-year-old Pro Bono Best colt is trained by Jessica Okusko and owned by Wanda Polisseni’s Purple Haze Stables. (Vernon Downs)

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