Vernon, N.Y. -- OK Heavenly ($26.80) sustained a first-over
push through the far turn in Friday (May 27) evening's $8,000 Mares Open Pace
at Vernon Downs, chasing down and reeling in odds-on pacesetter All Charged Up
for a 1:50.2 victory.
Truman Gale settled OK Heavenly last but one in the field of
five, having no part of the strenuous pace All Charged Up (John MacDonald) set.
After early fractions of :26 and :54.2, All Charged up drew away from pocket
rival Love Live Laugh (Jimmy Whittemore) on the far turn. Love Live Laugh's
failure to keep pace on the turn prompted a first-over bid from OK Heavenly,
who gradually worked into second off the far turn. The 4-year-old Sportswriter
mare sustained progress all the way to the winning post, collaring All Charged
up in the final yards and besting her by half a length in the end. Little
Santamonica (Frank Davis) escaped far-turn traffic trouble to save third.
Heidi Rohr trains OK Heavenly for the partnership of Steven
Kouray, Donald DeLuca, and Peter Daratsos.
Jimmy Whittemore led all drivers with a hat trick,
victorious with Gimme the Cash ($11.60, 1:52.4), Southern Girl ($14.40, 1:52),
and My Future Ex ($9.00, 1:55.4).
Fillies contest Saturday Sire Stakes
Saturday (May 28) evening is headlined by a trio of New York
Sire Stakes events for 3-year-old trotting fillies, carded as races 5, 7, and 9
on the 11-race card. Meadowlands standout Stick of Butter (Francisco del Cid),
2015 2-year-old NYSS champion Non Stick (Mark MacDonald), and locally-based
Swinging Royalty (Chris Lems) have all been installed as morning line favorites
in their respective events. Post time is 6:45 p.m. EDT.
