VERNON — Special Olivia with driver Leon Bailey dug in to win the featured $5,500 fillies & mares’ pace on Friday night at Vernon Downs.

Special Olivia ($2.90) charged right to the front but Peggy J with driver John MacDonald) took control just before hitting the first quarter first in :28.0. She used a :29.3 second quarter and led to the half in :57.3. Special Olivia made her move going around the final turn and led to three-quarters in 1:26.1.

As they reached the stretch Lorrie Sue with driver Frank Affrunti, Milleniums Girl with driver Barton Dalious, and Party Queen with driver Dylan Huckabone-Miller all came after Special Olivia but she was up for the challenge and held on to win in 1:54.4. Milleniums Girl was second best. Party Queen finished third.

Special Olivia is a 5-year-old mare by Roll With Joe. She is owned by Michael Moore and trained by Michelle Warner. It was her second win this season and her 11th career victory.

Chris Long and Jimmy Whittemore had driving doubles on the night. Trainers Wil Dubois and Marissa Chadbourne each reached the winner’s circle twice on the card.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on derby day at 5:05 p.m. Saturday with a nine-race card.