Prairie Panther ($6.10) and driver John MacDonald captured the $10,274 featured pace on Saturday, April 20 at Vernon Downs, the opening night of the 2024 season.
Around Midnight (Barton Dalious) went to the front and led to the quarter in :27. Prairie Panther went first-up and challenged Around Midnight for the lead. Around Midnight got to the half first in :57 and the two continued to duke it out all the way around the final turn. Around Midnight was first to three-quarters in 1:24.4. As they made the turn for home, Around Midnight appeared to shake off Prairie Panther, but Prairie Panther was not done and blew right on by to win in 1:54. Old Pal (Truman Gale) was flying late but had to settle for second money. Bluesville (Frank Affrunti) finished third.
Prairie Panther is a 10-year-old gelding by Royel Millennium. Owned by Joel Warner and trainer Mike Deters, Prairie Panther recorded his first win this season from six starts. He now has 73 career wins and nearly $670,000 earned.
MacDonald and Frank Affrunti had driving triples. George Ducharme had a training double.
Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday, April 27 at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)