by James Witherite, Vernon Downs racing media
Let's Go Higher dominates in Vernon distaff
feature
Vernon, N.Y. -- After an early push clear of her five
rivals, Let's Go Higher ($2.40) looked every bit odds-on in the Independence
Day (July 4) feature at Vernon Downs, taking the $10,000 Mares Open Pace in
1:52.
The 7-year-old Cole Muffler mare crossed and cleared from
her outside post rapidly, sent to the fore by Chris Lems with no reservations
through a :26 initial quarter. After backing down the pace through a
:29.4 second quarter, she accelerated clear on the far turn, leaving the
pocket-sitting Love You Bye (Jimmy Whittemore) three lengths in arrears through
a 1:23.3 three-quarter sectional. She continued to extend her margin
through the stretch, ultimately defeating her competition by four
lengths. The Filly Princess (Frank Davis) sustained a belated first-over
bid to take second, just getting past an all-out Love You Bye in the final
yards.
Heidi Rohr trains Let's Go Higher for owner Jesse De Long.
Jimmy Whittemore led all drivers with a hat trick on the
10-race card, teaming up with Drinkin N Dancin ($3.90, 1:54), Devil Child
($5.40, 1:52), and Country Chic ($5.20, 1:57.3).
Live racing returns on Sunday (July 5) afternoon, with post
time slated for 1:15 p.m. Eastern time.
