by James Witherite, Vernon Downs racing media
Barn Girl elevated to Vernon victory; Painite relegated
for interference
Vernon, N.Y. -- After being shoved three-wide by Painite on
the entry to the far turn, Barn Girl ($10.00) made a push to the fore only to
be collared by the offender in Saturday (June 27) evening's $8,000 Mares Open
II Trot at Vernon Downs. Ultimately, Barn Doll was placed the winner
ahead of Painite as a result of the aforementioned interference.
Jimmy Whittemore settled toward the back of the pack with
the 3-year-old Cash Hall filly, racing well behind a :27.2 first quarter
clicked off by Saint Patty's Doll (Greg Merton) and a :57.1 first half attended
by the first-over Concentration (Chris Lems). Moving into the far turn,
Barn Girl angled second-over, but was carried deeper out by Painite (Truman
Gale), who vacated the pegs without clearance three-eighths from home.
Nonetheless, Barn Girl sustained her rally, working to the lead in the final
150 yards before Painite swept to the grandstand side and narrowly finished
first past the post. As a result of the interference on the far turn, however,
Painite was relegated to second behind the offended Barn Girl, placed the
winner in 1:56.1. Torches Star (Claude Huckabone, III) rallied from the
back of the pack to take third over the pacesetting Saint Patty's Doll.
Howard Okusko trains Barn Girl for the Out in the Country
Stable, along with Steven and Nancy Pratt.
Whittemore also won on the card with Misty Major ($7.20),
earning a driving double on the 11-race card. Chris Lems and Greg Merton
also each scored two wins on the program.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Sunday (June 28)
afternoon, with first post at 1:15 p.m. Eastern time.
-end-
