Vernon: Crediama, Expressive Action victorious in Empire Breeders Classic

Crediama parlayed a perfect second-over trip to score in the $217,725 Empire Breeders Classic Final for filly trotters Sunday night at Vernon Downs. Tim Tetrick piloted the three-year-old to her second seasonal win for owner Purple Haze Stables LLC and trainer Trond Smedshammer.

The Credit Winner offspring sat patiently midpack off early splits of :27 2/5 and :57 then tipped out to follow the first-over Glowngold through three quarters in 1:25 3/5. Driver Tetrick angled the filly out for the stretch drive and she powered home to a solid one and a half length victory in 1:54 1/5, a life mark.

"She felt super" driver Tetrick remarked. "She did everything right today. I kicked out the plugs and she trotted right by them."

The victory pushed Crediama's lifetime earnings over $200,000. Avalicious and Annies List rounded out the top three. Crediama paid $6.90 to win as the second betting choice.

In the $215,125 final of the Empire Breeders Classic for three-year-old colt trotters Expressive Action brushed powerfully to command passing the half and held in solid fashion to the wire to remain a perfect three-for-three in 2014. Owned and trained by veteran conditioner John Grasso and driven by Mike Simons, the well-mannered trotter has now earned north of $225,000 in his brief career.

Driver Simons was very complimentary in his post-race interview.

"His manners are super," Simons commented. "He's a very intelligent horse. I took a shot (to the lead) and it worked out."

Expressive Action stopped the timer in a brisk 1:54 1/5, also a new lifetime mark, and he paid $3.80 as the betting favorite. Wild And Crazy (Ron Pierce) and Hallanet (Trond Smedshammer) completed the top three, with Daley Lovin and Rocky De Vie also earning minor shares of the purse.

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