Moon marks the spot

Driver Josh Marks and the high-class trotter Scorpion Moon shared the limelight during Thursday night’s nine-race harness program at Vernon Downs.

Marks, the second leading race-winning teamster at Vernon’s 54th meeting, posted four wins for the second time at the Downs this season, including a 1:56.4 score with Scorpion Moon in the $10,000 featured eighth event, the week’s Open contest.

A heavy favorite leaving from the outside seven slot, Scorpion Moon drafted along behind the pacesetting Theater Production to the three-quarter mark in 1:28. 

Once in the homestretch, the Tracy Brainard-conditioned Scorpion Moon slipped out of the pocket and charged home in :28.3 to defeat Theater Production by nearly two lengths and earn his fourth victory at the meet.

“He (Scorpion Moon) raced much better this week,” said Marks. “In his last start at Tioga Downs on Sunday (June 10), I used him hard and he didn’t finish well. I was a bit concerned. But, Tracy worked hard on him all week, and he was back on his game this evening.  She’s done a great job with him.”

The strong showing allowed Scorpion Moon to join Rio Bravo Hall at four as the winningest trotters at the Downs thus far this season.  The 6-year-old gelding has now finished first in eight of his 16 current outings and has increased his 2007 earnings to more than $47,800 for owner Gerard Stuchbury. The pacer Noah’s Art tops all Vernon Standardbred in first-place finishes with five.

Second (40-32) to Howard Okusko Jr. in the track’s current dash-winning derby, Marks also scored with the pacers Linnea Blue Chip (1:55), Au Kay (1:56.2), and trotter Delcrest Luckygirl (1:58.1).

Okusko, who has produced 12 multiple driving feats in 24 cards, collected two tallies on the evening, winning with the trotters Cross Creek Whiz (1:57.4) and Crowbar Hotel (1:59.4).            

« Back