Under steady pressure through a :26.4 third quarter, Jesse De Long's Lets Go Higher ($2.60) would not be denied, edging clear to victory in Friday (May 29) evening's $10,000 Mares Open Pace at Vernon Downs.

The seven-year-old Cole Muffler mare cleared her four rivals immediately at race's outset, controlling the terms through a :27.3 initial quarter before rating a brief breather. Upon reaching the half in :57.1, Lets Go Higher faced stern pressure from the first-over Purity (Jimmy Whittemore), pushed on through a :26.4 third quarter before edging clear off the far turn. Lets Go Higher turned aside Purity at head-stretch, holding clear of the pocket-sitting Southwind Trini (Greg Merton) by two lengths in 1:51.2. Artic Byrd (Truman Gale) narrowly held third over Always As Fast (Joe Nassimos) after tracking the front flight throughout.

Chris Lems drove Lets Go Higher for trainer Heidi Rohr. Lems scored a driving double on the evening's nine-race card, as did Jimmy Whittemore.

Live racing resumes at Vernon Downs on Saturday evening, with first post at 6:45 p.m. Eastern time.

(Vernon Downs)