by James Witherite, Vernon Downs racing media
That'll Be the Rei pounces, holds sway in featured pace
Vernon, N.Y. -- After pouncing from the pocket in
mid-stretch, the Harmon Racing Stable's That'll Be the Rei ($2.50) gamely held
off a valiant stand-side charge from Damon Blue Chip to take Saturday (November
7) evening's featured $7000 top-level conditioned pace at Vernon Downs.
Mike Merton secured the pocket with the 5-year-old Cheyenne
Rei gelding, drafting behind Sassy Hanover (Chris Lems) through sectionals of
:26.3, :55.1, and 1:23.1. Momentarily pinned to the pegs by the
first-over Dodger Hanover (Jimmy Whittemore), That'll Be the Rei had room to
make his move just above the eighth pole as Dodger Hanover flattened off the
turn. Upon asking, That'll Be the Rei accelerated clear of Sassy Hanover,
easily doing away with the pacesetter. His main danger--Damon Blue Chip
(John MacDonald)--kicked cover off the far turn and was making steady ground
down the grandstand side of the course. That'll Be the Rei ultimately
prevailed by a neck, driven out for the slim 1:51.4 victory over Damon Blue
Chip. Shock N Rock (Justin Huckabone) rallied up the pegs to take third.
Rob Harmon trains That'll Be the Rei.
The featured victory was one of three on the 11-race program
for Merton, who also teamed up with Western Legend ($8.60, 1:53) and Forty
Carrots ($32.60, 1:53.1).
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (November 13)
evening. Post time is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
