Vernon, N.Y. -- Scott Woogen's K J's Caroline ($6.00)
parried all comers in Thursday (September 22) night's $11,000 Mares Miracle
Mile/Open Handicap Pace at Vernon Downs, and leading driver John MacDonald
tallied another five wins on the evening's 10-race program.
K J's Caroline, debuting for trainer Paul Long on arrival
from Tioga Downs, made her move to the fore on the clubhouse turn after
settling close to a spritely early pace. Roman Lopez brushed the 6-year-old
Roddy's Bags Again mare to the fore to clear Bettorhaveanother (Chris Lems)
upon reaching the back of the course, subsequently bracing for heavy pressure
from the first-over Yes You Can (Ben McNeil) on the far turn. After enduring a
:27.2 third quarter, K J's Caroline edged away, driven out to fend off a late
charge from Bettorhaveanother--who found clearance to vacate the pegs in the
final eighth--by half a length in 1:51.2. Southern Girl (Fern Paquet, Jr.)
mounted a belated rally to take third.
While a Vernon newcomer took top equine honors for the
evening, the "Prime Minister" continued his reign at Vernon Downs
with a five-win night. MacDonald paired up with The Filly Princess ($5.80,
1:52.2), I Saw Red ($5.40, 1:53.4), Cheyenne Patti ($9.00, 1:55), E R Rhonda
($3.70, 1:54.2), and Tempus Seelster ($3.50, 1:51.2).
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (September 23)
evening; post time is slated for 6:45 p.m. Eastern.
