While Chris Lems and Rick Plano were competing in a determined driving duel during the evening, defending champ Jimmy Whittemore steered Harlem Rockturne to a 1:53.2 triumph in Thursday night’s $9,500 featured sixth race at Vernon Downs.

Whittemore, a three-time dash-winning titleist at the Downs, got away third with the sixth-wagering choice, Harlem Rockturne ($18.60), in the week’s Open for female pacers and the determined duo remained there until the stretch drive where they flashed to the front and finished first by one length.

In securing her second score at the 21-program meeting, the five-year-old daughter of Rocknroll Hanover-Capericorn equalled her career win-mark, chalked up her 12 lifetime victory and raised her all-time earnings to more than $103,200. Whittemore’s father, Dennis, owns and trains the speedy distaffer.

Plano, currently second in both driving and training tallies at the meet, captured the first (Damian Carlos N), fourth (Misdori) and eighth (Sweet Fancy Moses) events, while Lems countered with first-place finishes behind Witch Trials in the second, Here Comes Doodles in the fifth and Dream State in the seventh session.

At program’s end, Lems maintained a four-win lead (37-33) over Plano in the reinsmen’s report, while Whittemore ranked third with 22 triumphs.

Also enjoying multiple wins during Thursday’s 11-race card were trainers Plano (two), Dave Dewhurst (two), Lonny Hale (two), and owner Regina Dewhurst (two).

(Vernon Downs)