Parkhill Horton ($12.20) made full use of a pocket trip en route to his 1:56 triumph in Friday (July 15) evening's top-level $6,500 Miracle Mile Trot at Vernon Downs, pushing to the fore in mid-stretch and drawing clear to evade a pair of late challengers.

Truman Gale made an early push to secure the pocket with the eight-year-old Oaklea Julian gelding, tracking pacesetter Count Speed (John MacDonald) through fairly comfortable early sectionals of :29 and :58.2. As Count Speed accelerated mildly through the far turn, Parkhill Horton stuck right with him before edging off the pegs with just over a quarter-mile remaining. The two duelled off the far turn, and Parkhill Horton pushed his head clear just inside the eighth pole, ultimately opening up to a two-length winning margin in 1:56. Gimme The Cash (Angus MacDonald) split rivals late off a stalking trip to just take second over the mildly chasing Hallanet (Donald Dancer), while the worn-down Count Speed--while fourth--was barely nosed out for the runner-up spot.

Trainer Robert Gale shares ownership of 15-time winner Parkhill Horton with Jeffrey Agan and David Adsit.

Live racing continues at the Miracle Mile on Saturday (July 16) evening, with a 10-race card slated to commence at 6:45 p.m. Eastern.

(Vernon Downs)