After pouncing from the pocket in mid-stretch, the Harmon Racing Stable's Thatll Be The Rei gamely held off a valiant stand-side charge from Damon Blue Chip to take Saturday evening's featured $7,000 top-level conditioned pace at Vernon Downs.

Mike Merton secured the pocket with the five-year-old Cheyenne Rei gelding, drafting behind Sassy Hanover (Chris Lems) through sectionals of :26.3, :55.1, and 1:23.1. Momentarily pinned to the pegs by the first-over Dodger Hanover (Jimmy Whittemore), Thatll Be The Rei had room to make his move just above the eighth pole as Dodger Hanover flattened off the turn. Upon asking, Thatll Be The Rei accelerated clear of Sassy Hanover, easily doing away with the pacesetter. His main danger--Damon Blue Chip (John MacDonald)--kicked cover off the far turn and was making steady ground down the grandstand side of the course. Thatll Be The Rei ultimately prevailed by a neck, driven out for the slim 1:51.4 victory over Damon Blue Chip. Shock N Rock (Justin Huckabone) rallied up the pegs to take third.

Rob Harmon trains That'll Be the Rei. He paid $2.50.

The featured victory was one of three on the 11-race program for Merton, who also teamed up with Western Legend ($8.60, 1:53) and Forty Carrots ($32.60, 1:53.1).

(Vernon Downs)