Grazia wins at Vernon Downs!
VERNON, N.Y. (August 14, 2026) — Grazia was a clear winner at Vernon Downs. Sent off the 0.37-1 favorite in a $20,000 New York Sire Stakes Excelsior Series division for 3-year-old pacing fillies, she took the lead before the half and held off Taladega Express to win by 1¾ lengths in 1:52.0.
Driver Matt Kakaley had her second, 1½ lengths back, at the first quarter (26.2), then in front by 1½ lengths at the half (56.0) and by 1¾ at the three-quarters (1:24.4). She was 2 lengths ahead at the stretch call and won by 1¾, with a last quarter of 27.1.
Taladega Express was second in 1:52.2, with Carry Back third in 1:53.0. Grazia paid $2.74 to win, and the $2 exacta (3-7) returned $32.94.
Grazia, by Huntsville out of Ramalama, is trained by Joe Pavia Jr. and owned by Vincent Ferriero Jr., Pint Size Racing LLC, Dominic Pavia and Steven Held. She was bred by Whiskeyontherocks Racing.
Watch the full race replay above, and see more winners from Pavia Racing Stable.
