JK Panache posts third sub-1:50 mile in Saturday win

JK Panache cruises in Saturday feature

The swift-striding JK Panache produced his third sub-1:50 mile of the 33-program meeting at Vernon Downs with Saturday night's 1:49.3 Open pace triumph.

JK Panache, who lowered the track's record for 4-year-old pacing geldings to 1:49.1 on June 22, and also posted a local victory in 1:49.3 on June 9, raced like he was the best, and proved it with a front-ending 1:49.3 triumph in Saturday's $10,000 ninth race.

Saturday's two-length tally over the wagering favorite, Northern Companion, resulted in the fifth current win and 13th lifetime tally for the bay son of Art Major-Paris Hanover.  Jimmy Whittemore did the teaming for trainer Dave Dewhurst, who owns the career-winner of $135,486 along with Philip K. Hale.

Former Vernon driving champ Whittemore went on to capture Saturday's final race with Majestic Splash and record his fifth double of the track's 60^th season.

Current top reinsman Rick Plano picked up three first-place finishes during the 12-race card, while drivers Roman Lopez and Brian Connor each earned two trips to Vernon's winner’s circle. 

DOWNS DOINGS—Plano's triple tied him at seven with Lopez for top honors in that category…Saturday's speed derby also produced a 1:50.3 performance by Stonebridge Bonus and 1:50.4 clockings by Yankees In Six and newcomer Oh My Joepa…The pacer Stonebridge Bonus was claimed for $10,000 after Saturday's seventh session by local owner Mitchell Frair…The largest claim at the meet to date  is $15,000, for the trotter Oaklea Tyson on June 8…Vernon will offer live racing at 6:45 Thursday-Saturday next week…There will be a "Change Your Luck/Dollar Night" promotion on Thursday, a "Diamond Dig" event for 20 female fans on Friday and the annual Miss Vernon Downs pageant, plus New York Sires Stakes racing 3-year-old male trotters on Saturday…A revised 2013 racing and stakes calendar, as well as additional information regarding Vernon Downs, its casino, hotel, racing and promotional events can be obtained at www.vernondowns.com.