Vernon, N.Y. -- JK Panache ($3.20) made his return to Vernon
Downs a triumphant one, bouncing back from a fourth-place finish at Saratoga to
wire his four rivals in Saturday (October 1) evening's featured $9,900 Miracle
Mile-Open Handicap Pace.
The 7-year-old Art Major gelding, who won his last local
appearance by way of sustained uncovered gains through the far turn, was sent
right to the front this night by Chris Lems from his assigned outside post in
the field of five. The pair controlled all the terms through sectional times of
:26.2, :55.1, and 1:23.1, facing nary a challenge before starting to edge away
from pocket rival Quick Art (Fern Paquet, Jr.) on approach to the head of the
homestretch. While JK Panache left Quick Art well in his wake, Calvin B (Greg
Merton) would emerge wide of rivals to take second off the far turn. Still, JK
Panache evaded that late threat by 1-3/4 lengths, prevailing in 1:50.3. Flying
Cowboy (John MacDonald) saved third another 8-1/2 lengths detached.
Trainer Dave Dewhurst shares ownership of 44-time winner JK
Panache with Philip Hale.
Lems also captured the sub-featured $7,900 upper-level
pacing event on the 11-race card with Modern Gesture ($4.90), pouncing from the
pocket midway on the far turn and parrying a late charge from No Bad Dreams
(Dan Daley) to score in 1:51 for trainer Andy Gardner and owner Mark Jakubik.
Racing returns to Vernon Downs on Thursday (October 6);
first post is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. Eastern.
