Second choice Looney Dune protected the early lead in a duel with 4-5 favourite Jinxys Delight and sprinted away to a 1:52.1 triumph in Thursday evening's featured $6,500 top-level Miracle Mile Mares Pace at Vernon Downs after rebuffing a second challenge off the far turn.

Ben McNeil put the now 36-time winner in play from the outset, pushing forward from midfield to duel with Jinxys Delight (John MacDonald) on approach to the clubhouse turn. The eight-year-old Bettors Delight mare won the early battle, forcing Jinxys Delight to the pocket through a :26.4 first quarter before maintaining control through intermediate splits of :55.4 and 1:23.2. A quarter mile from home, Jinxys Delight made a bid out of the pocket, but Looney Dune accelerated clear off the corner while driven, ultimately prevailing by 5-1/4 lengths. Love Live Laugh (Jimmy Whittemore) narrowly collared the all-out Jinxys Delight for second off a clear tracking trip.

The win was Looney Dune's second in three tries, and her third of the season. John McNeil III trains Looney Dune for owner Ellen McNeil.

John MacDonald and Chris Lems shared top driving honours on the 10-race card, each capturing four of the evening's races.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (July 15) evening, with the first of 12 races due off at 6:45 p.m. The 50¢ Pick 5 features a carryover of $254.26 on the last five races of the program.

(Vernon Downs)