Defending Vernon Downs driving champion Jimmy Whittemore celebrated his 28th birthday last night at the track with a five-win night.
His biggest win of the evening was a 1:55.2 triumph with Keep It Fair in the featured Race 10.
After having registered earlier victories with Streeter, Lovely Magic and Final Time, Whittemore kept Keep It Fair ($3.60) bided their time in fourth during Race 10. The pair sat in fourth as Won Night Stand led the field through to the three-quarter mark in 1:27.3 over the 'sloppy' track.
After having moved up to second along the final turn, the native of Maine urged his four-year-old charge to the front and entered the homestretch. The duo drew off for a five-length scores.
Whittemore went on to capture Race 11 with Lekka to record his second five-win outing of the meet.
Drivers Ruel 'Dude' Goodblood, Jr. and Claude Huckabone, Jr. also posted a pair of victories during Thursday’s 12-race card.
DOWNS DOINGS—Whittemore’s previous five-win outing was September 18…only leading driver Josh Marks has won more races (seven) on a single Vernon program this season…Whittemore currently trails Marks by 20 wins with 14 programs remaining in the track’s 57th season…Fox Valley Majesty’s win in Thursday’s ninth event (Huckabone steering for owner and leading trainer Tracy Brainard) was his eighth of the meet, tops among trotters and tying him with the pacers Up Front Rudy and Saranac Hanover for most equine tallies to date…Friday night’s 12-race line-up includes four $30,000 New York late-closing championship finals for two-year-olds. First post will be at 6:55 p.m…Additional information regarding the track’s 2010 season and its casino can be obtained at vernondowns.com.
(With files from Vernon)