Blueridge Betty Doubles Up in Friday Night Feature

It took Blueridge Betty a while to get geared up, but she eventually was able to rally for a 1:54.2 victory in Friday night's $10,000 featured ninth race at Vernon Downs.

Facing five female foes on a deteriorating track due to a heavy thunder shower, Blueridge Betty ($17.00) laid back in last place for three-quarters of the week's distaff Open, then powered up around the final bend and streaked through the final sixteenth to nip another closer, Hugs Again, by a nose at the conclusion of the mile contest.

The win over a track labeled "good" was the second in a row, third at the 16-night meeting and 10th all-time for the hard-hitting 5-year-old mare, who is owned by the Big Sky Ranch.

Trainer Joe Nassimos did the teaming as the bay daughter of Modern Art-Miss Megan E raised her career earnings to nearly $79,000.

Newcomer Frank Milby secured a triple following first-place finishes behind the pacers My Girl Lora, Miracle Lu Lu and Mach Hula, while drivers Roman Lopez, Leon Bailey, and trainers Lopez, Deedra Johnson and Dave Dewhurst were all credited with two-win outings during the 12-race program.

DOWNS DOINGS - Blueridge Betty became the seventh three-time winner this year at the Downs, joining fellow pacers Mystical Valentine, By All Means, P L Comestowin, Rosa Villa (earlier in the program) and trotters Cello Hanover and The Kentuckian as season's leaders in this category... Milby, who leads in driving doubles with five, also sports a four-win outing at the meet... Saturday night's 10-race program, which begins at 7:05, will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Vernon will present a 12-race card at 1:15 p.m. on Monday (May 30) that includes the championship finals in the $500,000-plus Empire Breeders Classic for 3-year-old trotters, a male contest in race six and a filly flight in race nine...Thursday night programs will resume at 7:05 on June 2... Additional information regarding the track's 2011 season and its casino can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com, and on Facebook.