Jack Vernon upset in the Open Handicap Trot at Dover Downs on Tuesday night (Jan. 12).
With the scratches of Eye Ofa Tiger As and Scirocco Rob, the Open Trot was relegated to a field of six quality trotters.
There was a three-horse scramble for the early lead, as Warrior One, Pat Matters and JL Cruze all left in a line, for the early lead. JL Cruze muscled his way to the top, while Pat Matters, the even-money favourite, accepted the pocket and Warrior One dropped into the three hole at the quarter.
JL Cruze led the field to a hard-fought quarter in :26.4. Then raced uncontested on the lead, through a :55.1 half. Jack Vernon and Corey Callahan picked up a second-over trip as Warrior One attacked first up nearing the three-quarter pole. The three-quarters were trotted in 1:24 as leader JL Cruze became leg weary and started to fade.
Midway in the stretch, Jack Vernon was able to storm past Warrior One and won by three-quarter lengths in 1:53. Jack Vernon was sent at odds of 5-1.
Jack Vernon is owned by Howard Taylor and Michael Casalino Jr. Dylan Davis trained and Corey Callahan drove.
Warrior One, finished second for trainer Ron Burke. Yanick Gingras drove. All Champy was third for trainer Sofia Zingale. Ross Wolfenden was the driver. Pat Matters, the even odds favorite was fourth. JL Cruze finished sixth.
Corey Callahan won four races on the card.
There is a $28,600 Pick 5 carryover for tomorrow’s races.
The Pick 5 is a 50-cent minimum bet and is wagered on the last five races.
Racing continues Wednesday (Jan. 13) at Dover Downs. First-race post time is 4:30 p.m. (EST).
(Dover Downs)