Whittemore Wins Four Including $10,000 Open Trot

Fancy Shot became the first two-time winner of the 58th season at Vernon Downs after his 1:55.4 performance in Friday night's $10,000 Open-1 trotting test.

Defending dash-winning driving champ Jimmy Whittemore sat in for two-time training titleist Tracy Brainard as Fancy Shot ($3.20) trotted into the lead past the half, timed in :59 seconds, and then high-stepped on to a convincing 2-1/4 length win over Unshakeable in Friday's ninth race.

It was the fourth win in 10 current outings for the quick-footed 9-year-old gelding, who increased his career earnings to more than $257,600.

The bay son of Angus Hall-Fancy Fancy Fancy is owned by Brainard and Andrew Herzog.

The win was one of four during Friday's 12-race card for Whittemore, and it also helped Brainard bag four first-place finishers, as well.

The same ownership duo was credited with a victory in Friday’s $10,000 Open contest for female pacers after their 5-year-old mare Semjac Legacy (Jack Rice teaming) logged a 1:54.1 score in the very next race.

The come-from-behind triumph was the third in 12 season's showings for the lifetime winner of $192,000, who was making her initial local appearance of 2011.

Brainard's other Friday winners were the trotters Ivanhoe Diamant (1:56.2) and Boy Meets Grill (1:55.2), while Whittemore's additional tallies came behind the pacers Faith Ann (1:57.1), Canaco Star (1:54.2) and Delightful Dancer (1:54.3).

DOWNS DOINGS - Newcomers Michael Eaton (Occupant), Frank Milby (Boy Meets Grill) and Daniel Lehan (Spring Haven Art) each earned their initial local driving victories on Friday evening... Two-time millionaire One More Laugh (1:47.4) will make his 2011 debut in Saturday night's (April 23) 10th race, the week's $10,000 Open-1 pace. His competition will include Vlos, Dry Gulch, Diamond Stick Pin, Four One One and Firethorn. Saturday’s 12-race line-up begins at 7 p.m... Additional information regarding the track and it’s casino can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com. Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/governondowns