Vernon, N.Y. — JK Panache ($3.10) continued his dominance in the top pacing ranks at Vernon Downs with a 1:48 shellacking of his three harness racing foes in Saturday (August 20) evening's featured $9,000 Open/Preferred Pace.
John MacDonald sent the 7-year-old Art Major gelding to a clear lead over Modern Gesture (Andy Gardner) on approach to the first turn, posting a :25.2 first quarter before keeping a fast pace throughout. JK Panache maintained an uncontested lead through middle splits of :53.4 and 1:21 before drawing away in upper stretch. JK Panache used a :27 last quarter to evade Jacksrluckytoo (Greg Merton) by 4-1/2 lengths, while Rock On Moe (Dan Daley) rallied mildly to take third in the last yards from the fading Modern Gesture.
Trainer Dave Dewhurst co-owns JK Panache with Philip Hale.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Thursday (August 25) evening, with post time set for 6:45 p.m. Eastern.
by James Witherite, Vernon Downs