Vernon, N.Y. -- Parkhill Horton ($12.20) made full use a
pocket trip en route to his 1:56 triumph in Friday (July 15) evening's
top-level $6,500 Miracle Mile Trot at Vernon Downs, pushing to the fore in
mid-stretch and drawing clear to evade a pair of late challengers.
Truman Gale made an early push to secure the pocket with the
8-year-old Oaklea Julian gelding, tracking pacesetter Count Speed (John
MacDonald) through fairly comfortable early sectionals of :29 and :58.2. As
Count Speed accelerated mildly through the far turn, Parkhill Horton stuck
right with him before edging off the pegs with just over a quarter mile
remaining. The two dueled off the far turn, and Parkhill Horton pushed his head
clear just inside the eighth pole, ultimately opening up to a two-length winning
margin in 1:56. Gimme the Cash (Angus MacDonald) split rivals late off a
stalking trip to just take second over the mildly chasing Hallanet (Donald
Dancer), while the worn-down Count Speed--while fourth--was barely nosed out
for the runner-up spot.
Trainer Robert Gale shares ownership of 15-time winner
Parkhill Horton with Jeffrey Agan and David Adsit.
Live racing continues at the Miracle Mile on Saturday (July
16) evening, with a 10-race card slated to commence at 6:45 p.m. Eastern.
