Vernon, N.Y. – The most drastic change of tactics possible
proved no issue for K J’s Caroline ($4.80), who once again was best among the
top distaffers at Vernon Downs in Thursday (September 29) evening’s featured
$9,900 Mares Open pacing event.
The 6-year-old Roddy’s Bags Again mare, who typically plays
a big role in the pacesetting duties, dropped to last immediately, sitting well
off pacesetter Yes You Can (Truman Gale) through a strong yet even pace of
:27.4, :56, and 1:24. Roman Lopez angled K J’s Caroline off the pegs with
five-sixteenths to go, and the pair made immediate headway before they were
carried to the four-path off the far turn by Southern Girl (Fern Paquet, Jr.),
who angled to the three-path out of third just upon cornering for home. K J’s
Caroline would sustain her bid through a :27.1 individually-timed closing
sectional to just collar Southern Girl by a neck in 1:52.1. Yes You Can gave
way under duress in deep stretch, but narrowly held third from
Bettorhaveanother (Brett Derue).
For K J’s Caroline, the second straight Vernon win was her
seventh of the year and the 30th of her career. Paul Long handles
the training duties for owner-breeder Scott Woogen.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (September
30) evening with an 11-race card due to commence at 6:45 p.m. Eastern.
