by James Witherite, Vernon Downs racing media
Vernon, N.Y. -- Fresh off her decisive triumph in the
$248,275 Empire Breeders Classic, 3-year-old trotting filly Barn Doll ($3.50)
rose to the occasion of her first effort against older company, rallying to the
lead late in Sunday (July 5) afternoon's $10,000 Open Trot at Vernon Downs.
Jimmy Whittemore settled the daughter of Conway Hall well
off the pace in the early stages, as Mikey Hanover (Claude Huckabone, III)
rolled through early sectionals of :27.3, :55.4, and 1:23. After pushing
Mikey Hanover through a :27.1 third quarter, Barn Doll worked closer on the
outside, taking charge in mid-stretch and drawing clear of Mikey Hanover by
1-1/4 lengths for a 1:53.1 score. Lucid Thoughts (John MacDonald) was
elevated to second off a tracking trip as runner-up Mikey Hanover slipped inside
the pegs for a moment while exiting the far turn, relegated to third as a
result.
Trainer Steven Pratt co-owns Barn Doll with Nancy Pratt and
the Purple Haze Stables, LLC.
The win was one of four on the card for Whittemore, who
captured the sub-featured $8000 Mares Open Trot as well with Barn Girl, edging
clear of Painite for a 1:56.3 victory. Steven and Nancy Pratt also co-own
Barn Girl, sharing ownership with the Out in the Country Stable, while Howard
Okusko manages the 3-year-old Cash Hall filly's conditioning.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs with a special Monday
(July 6) evening card, with first post at 6:45 p.m. Eastern time.
