Vernon, N.Y. — After a narrow miss in last week's top-level distaff, the Kellogg Racing Stables, LLC's Bettorhaveanother ($5.20) controlled an easy pace and sprinted off to evade even-money harness racing favorite Jinxy's Delight in Thursday (September 15) evening's $9,900 Mares Miracle Mile/Open Pace at Vernon Downs.
Chris Lems sprinted to the fore with the 4-year-old Bettor's Delight mare, assuming command from Jinxy's Delight (John MacDonald) straight away through a sensible :28 first quarter. Bettorhaveanother would rate a :29.1 second-quarter breather before bracing for and parrying the first-over challenge of Asset Management (Fern Paquet, Jr.) on the far turn. Bettorhaveanother accelerated upon cornering for home, opening up to a 2-1/2 length mid-stretch lead, and holding sway by a length in 1:53 while driven out to the winning post. Jinxy's Delight stayed on well for the runner-up spot, while Southwind Trini (Claude Huckabone, III) posted belated gains to take third.
Jackie Rousse trains Bettorhaveanother, now a 13-time winner.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (September 16) evening, with first post slated for 6:45 p.m. Eastern.
by James Witherite, Vernon Downs