VERNON — Sgt Papa Daddy and driver John MacDonald won the featured $8,700 trot at Vernon Downs on Saturday night.

Bluesville (Frank Affrunti) went to the front and led to the quarter in 26.3 seconds. Sgt Papa Daddy ($3.30) took over control going around the first turn and was first to the half in 56.2 seconds. Shrimp And Grits (Leon Bailey) was first to make a move going first-over around the final turn. Sgt Papa Daddy led to three-quarters in 1:25.2.

As they reached the stretch Sgt Papa Daddy broke free and made it a battle for second as he won easily in 1:52.3. Shrimp And Grits finished second. Bluesville was third best.

Sgt Papa Daddy is an 8-year-old gelding by Rockin Image. He is owned by MacDonald and trained by Kimberly Hines. It was his fifth win in 2022. He now has 41 career victories.

MacDonald drover three winners on the card. Adam Capizzano had a driving-training double for the second day in a row. Hines had a training double and Joe Nassimos had a driving double.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday night.