by James Witherite, Vernon Downs racing media
Despite finding herself in constant battle, Southwind Trini
($8.00) proved unwavering in Thursday (October 23) night's $10,000 Fillies and
Mares Open-Preferred Pace at Vernon Downs, capping a driving hat trick for Jim
Marohn, Jr.
Coming off victories in her last two Vernon appearances, the
six-year-old Rocknroll Hanover mare was hard used to clear JK Letitgo (Jimmy Whittemore)
through a :26 first quarter. The two were joined off the gate by 1-4
favorite Let's Go Higher (Chris Lems), who retreated to a tracking position
before commencing her first-over bid on the backstretch. After forcing a
:54.4 half mile, Let's Go Higher turned up the pressure on the far turn,
gaining a narrow lead briefly, but Southwind Trini would not relent. Off
the far turn, she fought back to a 1-1/4 length lead, holding sway by
three-quarters of a length for a 1:52.3 score over sloppy going. Thats My
Dream (Claude Huckabone, III) finished third off a ground-saving trip, while JK
Letitgo tired through the stretch after chasing the contested pace.
Patti Harmon trains Southwind Trini for Karma Racing, Inc.
Jim Marohn, Jr. led all drivers with three wins on the
night, teaming up with Flying Fish ($13.60, 1:57) and Ace of Pace ($2.80,
1:53.4) in addition to his victory in the evening's featured event.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (October 24)
evening, with the first of 13 races slated for 6:45 p.m. EDT.
