Vernon, N.Y. -- Ellen McNeil's Looney Dune ($7.10) made all
the pace in her 1:51 triumph over five rivals in Friday (July 22) evening's
$7,500 Mares Miracle Mile Pace at Vernon Downs.
Ben McNeil wasted no time with the 8-year-old Bettor's
Delight mare, seizing control from Love Live Laugh (Jimmy Whittemore) right
from the outset before rating a :56 first half. On the far turn, Looney
Dune accelerated, posting a :27 third quarter to evade a first-over challenge
from Pancakes (Truman Gale). Despite Love Live Laugh's best efforts to keep
pace from the pocket, Looney Dune edged clear to a two-length lead in upper
stretch, holding that margin intact to the winning post. Runner-up Love Live
Laugh was three farther lengths in advance of Asset Management (Fern Paquet,
Jr.), who made a belated push into third as the 2-1 favorite.
John McNeil, III trains Looney Dune, whose win was her
second consecutive and third in four starts.
Chris Lems led all drivers with four wins on the 12-race
card.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 23)
evening; post time is 6:45 p.m. Eastern.
