Vernon, N.Y. – Margaret and Amy Butler’s
J A T O ($2.60) kept his perfect Vernon Downs record intact in the featured
$9,900 Miracle Mile/Open Handicap Trot on Friday (September 16) evening,
pressing into the far turn and edging clear in the straight to a decisive 1:54
triumph.
The 4-year-old Big Apple Deli gelding
came away last in the compact field of five, only commencing his rally upon
reaching the backstretch after My Lucky Word (Fern Paquet, Jr.) seized command
from Lucid Thoughts (John MacDonald) after a :27.1 first quarter. J A T O
advanced first-over to within a length of My Lucky Word through a :57.1 half
and proceeded to intensify the pressure on the far turn before edging clear at
head-stretch. J A T O wore down My Lucky Word drew off to a two-length victory
over pocket rival Lucid Thoughts, while Gimme the Cash (Claude Huckabone, III)
stayed on for third off a live second-over journey.
Chris Lems drove the 30-time winner for
trainer Howard Okusko.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on
Saturday (September 17), with the first of 15 races due off at 6:45 p.m.
Eastern.
