Wyoming Cowboy ($8.80) and driver Leon Bailey won the $7,200 featured pace at Vernon Downs on Friday (Sept. 30).
Samson J (Jeff Sorenson) went to the front and led to the first quarter in :27.1 and half in :57.2. Wyoming Cowboy made his move first-up going around the final turn and was first to three-quarters in 1:26.1. As the field made the turn for home, Night Explorer (John MacDonald) came charging after Wyoming Cowboy and the two battled all the way down the stretch. Wyoming Cowboy dug in and Night Explorer just kept coming. Ultimately, Wyoming Cowboy held on to win in 1:54 while Night Explorer settled for second. Syracuse Express (Frank Affrunti) came on late to finish third.
Wyoming Cowboy is a four-year-old gelding by Roll With Joe. He is owned by Bruce Berg and trainer David Dewhurst. The win was his fifth this season from 21 starts and his eighth career victory.
Bailey and Barton Dalious had driving doubles. Gary Gibson had a training double.
Live harness racing continues at Vernon Downs on Saturday with a nine-race card starting at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)