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Early-closers at Vernon/Tioga attract sport's stars

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April 28, 2009

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Many of the sport�s stars have been paid into the rich early-closing events to be raced this summer at Tioga and Vernon Downs.

The Miss Versatility has emerged as a true test of a trotting mare�s abilities with legs over all sized tracks leading to the $120,000(est.) final held annually on Jug Day over the Delaware half-ile oval. Susie�s Magic returns to defend the title she earned last year and will face a deep and talented group in her quest to repeat. The 2008 Breeders Crown Mare Trot winner Brigham Dream has been entered along with division leader Buck I St. Pat, Falls For You, and the top 3-year-old filly of last season, Lantern Kronos.

The Miss Versatility begins on May 10 on the mile oval at the Meadowlands, stops by Tioga�s five-eighths strip on Aug. 2, before moving to the six-furlong Vernon course on Sept. 18.

Many of the same mares have also been made eligible to the $120,000(est.) Conway Hall (sponsored by Walnut Hall Ltd.) scheduled for Labor Day (Sept. 7) at Vernon Downs. Falls For You won last year�s edition in a track record 1:53.1 and returns to face many of the above mentioned along with 2008 Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Filly Trot winner Kadealia, Kentucky Filly Futurity champ One Tough Lass and Moni Maker winner Diana Hall.

The $120,000(est.) Artiscape (sponsored by the Artiscape syndicate) has quickly become an important stop for the aged pacing mares. Tioga Downs becomes the host track for the first time in 2009, with the race scheduled for closing day of the meet, Saturday, Sept. 12.

My Little Dragon paced the fastest mile in the storied history of Vernon Downs when she copped last year�s Artiscape in 1:49.4. She�ll have to be at her best to repeat, considering the competition, which includes her long time nemesis, Darlin�s Delight. Recent Betsy Ross winner Southwind Tempo is in, along with top returning sophomores of 2008 like Tug River Princess, Native Bride, and Good News Lady.

The list of eligibles for the $150,000(est.) Credit Winner (sponsored by Blue Chip Farms) includes all of the top names in trotting. A record 37 entrants are nominated to the race with American Lane returning to defend his title. Highly decorated older stars Corleone Kosmos, Arch Madness and Enough Talk are on the list along with graduating sophomore Breeders Crown winner In Focus. Early season sensation Lucky Jim and local stalwart Scorpion Moon have also made the required payments. The Credit Winner will be raced at Vernon Downs on Friday, Sept. 18.

Complete lists are available at the Tioga and Vernon websites. (Tioga/Vernon)

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