Regina Dewhurst's Pounce K ($16.60) made sustained progress from race's midpoint en route to a two-length victory in Friday (May 20) evening's featured $7,500 top-level Miracle Mile Trot at Vernon Downs.

Chris Lems was in no hurry with the six-year-old Donato Hanover gelding, sitting last but one in the initial stages while Winding Hill (Jimmy Whittemore) engaged Ulster (Brian Russo) in a speed duel through fractions of :28 and :56.1. As the battle intensified on the backstretch, Pounce K began his extended uncovered bid, working into second on the far turn as Winding Hill claimed an outright lead. Pounce K ultimately reeled in Winding Hill at the eighth pole, stretching out his lead and holding two lengths clear of a resurgent Ulster for a 1:55 win. Walk The Floor (Angus MacDonald) rallied from last to take third.

Dave Dewhurst trains Pounce K, now a 20-time winner.

John MacDonald led all drivers with a treble on the 11-race card.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs with a 12-race card on Saturday (May 21) evening, featuring a pair of New York Sire Stakes races for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings. First post is slated for 6:45 p.m. EDT.

(Vernon Downs)