Don't Blame Her returns to her dominant ways in Thursday feature

Joe Bongiorno and Don't Blame Her

The productive pacer Don't Blame Her returned to her winning ways during Thursday night's $10,000 Open feature for female representatives of the lateral gain after a sizzling 1:52 performance at Vernon Downs.

Part-owner Joe Bongiorno did the steering in Thursday's sixth session as the favorite Don't Blame Her accelerated into the lead from third following the opening quarter, and remained on the front end to the finish, defeating Love You Bye, the closest of her five foes, by 1-3/4 lengths.

It was the third Open victory in the last four outings here for the quick-footed bay daughter of Village Connection-Never My Fault, who is also owned by Barbara Bongiorno, and trained by Brad Irvine.  It marked the sixth season's score and 57^th lifetime tally for the career-earner of more than $787,100 who tied her 1:51.2 career win-mark here on Sept. 26.

Jimmy Whittemore and Fern Paquet, Jr. each recorded driving doubles during the track's 75^th program of 2013.

DOWNS DOINGS—Whittemore, a three-time track driving champion, took over sole possession of second place on the meet's driving chart with his two-win performance.  He entered the program tied with Roman Lopez, each with 88 wins…Lopez was also shuffled back to third place on the track's conditioning chart after former training champ Dave Dewhurst earned his 32^nd local win with the pacer Kyler's Valentine in Thursday's first event.  He and Lopez had started the night with 31 current training tallies each…Friday's 12-race card, which includes a $10,000 Open trot in event two, will begin at 6:45 p.m…Vernon will offer simulcast wagering on the 2013 Breeders Crown elimination races from Pennsylvania's Mohegan Sun racetrack at Pocono Downs this Friday and Saturday nights…Only 13 racing dates remain during the track's 60^th anniversary season that continues through Nov. 9…A revised 2013, 88-program 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.