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Saturday, July 23, 2016

Looney Dune wires Vernon distaffers

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.