The splendor of Sheer Brilliance was on display once again as he powered to a 1:50.3 victory in Saturday’s $10,000 featured 10th race at Vernon Downs.
Facing five speedsters in the night’s top test for Miracle Mile pacers, Sheer Brilliance ($6.40) drafted along behind mile-cutting newcomer Johnny Absolut to the three-quarter mark, timed in 1:22.1. The quick-striding five-year-old took charge from there, zipping home in :28.1 to remain king of the hill at Vernon for the second straight week.
It was the second local tally, the fifth season’s score and 21st lifetime win for the bay son of Blissful Hall-High Roller Ash, who missed the track’s record for aged pacing geldings by just four ticks of the timer. Claude Huckabone, III did the teaming for trainer Jeffrey Long, who owns the career winner of $232,317 along with J. Paul Long.
Once race later, Saranac Hanover ($2.80) secured his third straight score with a 1:54.1 showing for Huckabone, who elevated his career-win driving total to 1,981. The hard-fought victory was the eighth at the meet for the four-year-old brown gelding, and tied him with fellow pacer Up Front Rudy for most equine triumphs here after 75 programs. Brian Connor conditions the consistent son of Dragon Again for owner Brenda Jaffe.
In addition to Huckabone’s double, Chris Lems produced four first-place finishes, while Jimmy Whittemore and trainer Jessica Okusko each chalked up three wins during the 12-race program.
(Vernon Downs)