After an early push clear of her five rivals, Lets Go Higher ($2.40) looked every bit odds-on in the Independence Day (July 4) feature at Vernon Downs, taking the $10,000 Mares Open Pace in 1:52.

The seven-year-old Cole Muffler mare crossed and cleared from her outside post rapidly, sent to the fore by Chris Lems with no reservations through a :26 initial quarter. After backing down the pace through a :29.4 second quarter, she accelerated clear on the far turn, leaving the pocket-sitting Love You Bye (Jimmy Whittemore) three lengths in arrears through a 1:23.3 three-quarter sectional. She continued to extend her margin through the stretch, ultimately defeating her competition by four lengths. The Filly Princess (Frank Davis) sustained a belated first-over bid to take second, just getting past an all-out Love You Bye in the final yards.

Heidi Rohr trains Lets Go Higher for owner Jesse De Long.

Jimmy Whittemore led all drivers with a hat trick on the 10-race card, teaming up with Drinkin N Dancin ($3.90, 1:54), Devil Child ($5.40, 1:52), and Country Chic ($5.20, 1:57.3).

(Vernon Downs)