Driver Truman Gale notched a grand slam on Saturday (September 5) evening's 10-race program at Vernon Downs, and the 'New York Night Train' got rolling with a pacesetting victory in the featured $8,000 Open II Pace aboard Card Knock Life ($8.50).
Gale, who also trains the five-year-old Western Ideal gelding, sent him right to the front, clearing his four rivals en route to a :27 first quarter before rating a :55.2 half. On the far turn, Gale and Card Knock Life accelerated, forcing pocket rival Cascata (Dustin Ingraham) to chase a :27.1 third quarter while 4-5 favourite Big City Jewel (Jimmy Whittemore) mounted an uncovered bid off the far turn. Despite late pursuit from Big City Jewel and Damon Blue Chip (John MacDonald), Card Knock Life had just enough to prevail, holding sway by a half length in 1:50.3.
Donn Lewandrowski and Gail Farrell own Card Knock Life.
Gale also teamed up with Regal Glide ($3.10, 1:57.4) and Racintowardadream ($37.00, 1:56.2) before just prevailing with Drinksforthehouse ($19.40, 1:54.1) after an extended stretch battle with Count Speed (MacDonald) in a $7,000 upper-level conditioned trot.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Monday (September 7) afternoon, with post time at 1:15 p.m. Eastern.
(Vernon Downs)