by James Witherite, Vernon
Downs racing media
Let's Go Higher resilient in Vernon distaff
Vernon, N.Y. -- Under steady
pressure through a :26.4 third quarter, Jesse De Long's Let's Go Higher ($2.60)
would not be denied, edging clear to victory in Friday (May 29) evening's
$10,000 Mares Open pace at Vernon Downs.
The 7-year-old Cole Muffler
mare cleared her four rivals immediately at race's outset, controlling the
terms through a :27.3 initial quarter before rating a brief breather.
Upon reaching the half in :57.1, Let's Go Higher faced stern pressure from the
first-over Purity (Jimmy Whittemore), pushed on through a :26.4 third quarter
before edging clear off the far turn. Let's Go Higher turned aside Purity
at head-stretch, holding clear of the pocket sitting Southwind Trini (Greg
Merton) by two lengths in 1:51.2. Artic Byrd (Truman Gale) narrowly held
third over Always As Fast (Joe Nassimos) after tracking the front flight
throughout.
Chris Lems drove Let's Go
Higher for trainer Heidi Rohr. Lems scored a driving double on the
evening's nine-race card, as did Jimmy Whittemore.
Live racing resumes at Vernon
Downs on Saturday evening, with first post at 6:45 p.m. Eastern time.
