by Michael Chamberlain, Vernon Downs Publicity
Rocks N Bagels extended her winning streak at Vernon Downs
to three on Thursday night with a victory in the $9,500 feature race. She won
with a well-timed drive from Aaron Byron, who guided the mare to the outside of
the heavy favorite, Let's Go Higher, in the stretch and prevailed in a very
close photo finish. The final time for the mile was 1:51.4. Let's Go Higher
assumed the lead following a fast first quarter mile of 26 seconds flat. She
then set the pace through a half-mile of 55.1 and three-quarters in 1:25.1.
Rocks N Bagels settled in fifth in the field of six before attacking
aggressively entering the final turn. It still took Rocks N Bagels the length
of the stretch to finally get up for the victory by a scant nose. The complete
order of finish for the feature race was Rocks N Bagels, Let's Go Higher, Love
You Bye, Market Dynamics, Artic Byrd, and Elleofnxample. Rocks N Bagels is
owned by Kelly Dawn Hope of Vernon, NY and trained by Jordan Hope.
The driving star of Thursday night at Vernon Downs was
Truman Gale, who recorded three victories on the 11-race program. He recorded
victories in the 2nd race with Campanile Hanover, the 5th race with Aritzia
Hanover, and the 7th race with Upfront Secret. Upfront Secret's win came in a $6,000
Open Pace for Fillies & Mares in a sparkling time of 1:51.1
