Vernon, N.Y. -- Despite odds-on favorite Dude's the Man
making his best effort to sustain his bid after losing cover, the stakes winner
could not reel in JK Panache ($9.70), who flaunted a strong late turn of foot
despite pressure in Saturday (July 16) evening's featured $9,000 Open/Preferred
Pace at Vernon Downs.
Truman Gale used a bold middle move with JK Panache to
achieve control after a :55.1 half mile, forging clear with three-eighths to go
after tracking from third in the early stages. Upon assuming the lead, JK
Panache faced stiff pressure from Dude's the Man (Chris Lems) for the entirety
of the far turn. After sustaining that threat through a :27 third
quarter, JK Panache opened up under a drive, sprinting off by 3-1/2 lengths for
a 1:49.3 triumph. Titus Seelster (Jimmy Whittemore) was all-out to claim
second in the last yards over a beleaguered Dude's the Man.
Trainer David Dewhurst shares ownership of 39-time winner JK
Panache with Philip Hale.
For Gale, the win was one of two on the evening. John
MacDonald's natural hat trick with Avogadro Hanover ($4.20, 1:54), Dancin Thea
($10.80, 1:57.3), and Forty Carrots ($5.00, 1:52.4) earned him top driving
honors on the 10-race card.
