Taking advantage of a second-over trip and a torrid pace, the invading Burkentine Hanover ($28.20) edged clear late to take Monday (July 6) evening's $10,000 Open Pace at the harness racing meeting at Vernon Downs in 1:49.2.
The 5-year-old Cam's Card Shark gelding tracked an early duel between Golden Receiver (Fern Paquet, Jr.) and Fireyourguns (Jimmy Whittemore), keeping right behind them as Fireyourguns worked clear of his double-millionaire rival through a :25.1 first quarter.
As JK Panache (Chris Lems) commenced a first-over rally after a 52.1 half mile, Billy Dobson angled Burkentine Hanover out to follow cover past the apex of the far turn.
Fireyourguns hit the three-quarter mark in 1:21, but was engulfed by JK Panache upon cornering for home.
At the same time, Burkentine Hanover fanned off live cover, working to the lead in mid-stretch and prevailing ultimately by three-quarters of a length.
JK Panache remained a game second, while Damon Blue Chip (John MacDonald) rallied from last to take third.
Pacesetter Fireyourguns, sent off the 1-4 favorite, faded through the stretch to finish at the back of the quintet.
Heidi Rohr trains Burkentine Hanover for Michele Nelson.
Later in the card, Dude's the Man finished a game second to Calvin B ($5.20, Dobson) in a $7000 upper-level conditioned pace.
Dude's the Man brushed to the lead from third after tracking a :28 first quarter, accelerating on the far turn through a :54.4 final half but ultimately giving way to his first-over rival in the final yards of a 1:51.1 mile.
The Jessica Okusko trainee made his final start before he competes in a Meadowlands Pace elimination on Saturday (July 11).
Chris Lems drove the 3-year-old American Ideal colt for owners M and L of Delaware and Victoria Dickinson.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (July 10) evening, with first post at 6:45 p.m. Eastern time.
James Witherite