Ellen McNeil's Looney Dune ($7.10) made all the pace in her 1:51 triumph over five rivals in Friday (July 22) evening's $7,500 Mares Miracle Mile Pace at Vernon Downs.
Ben McNeil wasted no time with the eight-year-old Bettors Delight mare, seizing control from Love Live Laugh (Jimmy Whittemore) right from the outset before rating a :56 first half. On the far turn, Looney Dune accelerated, posting a :27 third quarter to evade a first-over challenge from Pancakes (Truman Gale). Despite Love Live Laugh's best efforts to keep pace from the pocket, Looney Dune edged clear to a two-length lead in upper stretch, holding that margin intact to the winning post. Runner-up Love Live Laugh was three farther lengths in advance of Asset Management (Fern Paquet Jr.), who made a belated push into third as the 2-1 favourite.
John McNeil III trains Looney Dune, whose win was her second consecutive and third in four starts.
Chris Lems led all drivers with four wins on the 12-race card.
(Vernon Downs)