Little Santamonica posted a gate-to-wire victory in the final $12,000 Fillies & Mares Open Pace on Friday night at Vernon Downs.

Chris Lems did the teaming for trainer Jordan Hope as Little Santamonica led through splits of :27.1, :56.1 and 1:24.3 en route to a 1:52.4 decision over Bijou Theater in Friday’s second session. It was the first local score, but the seventh season’s tally for the five-year-old daughter of Little Steven-Tonianne, who is owned by Kelly Dawn Hope of Vernon. The brave-hearted brown mare now sports 17 career victories and earnings of more than $108,500.

Lems, the local campaign’s second-leading reinsman after 87 programs, earned four first-place finishes during Friday’s 11-race card to reach the 100-win plateau. Driver Truman Gale also visited Vernon’s Blue Chip Farms winner’s circle four times during the program, while driver Adam Capizzano and trainer Robert C. Gale each recorded two victories.

Driver Brian Mattison was unseated when the pacer Prince Pendant fell during Friday’s ninth contest and reportedly suffered a hand injury.

The Downs will conclude its 2013 campaign with a special 6 p.m. first post on Saturday (Nov. 9). There will be a 60th anniversary season coffee mug giveaway, while supplies last, during the night and a spectacular fireworks display following the evening’s 13th and final race.

(Vernon Downs)