JK Panache ($2.20) made every yard a winning one in Saturday (October 15) evening's featured $9,900 Miracle Mile/Open Handicap Pace at Vernon Downs, drawing clear easily by four and a half lengths in his 1:49.3 victory and giving John MacDonald one of his four driving wins on the 11-race card.
The seven-year-old Art Major gelding had no trouble clearing his three rivals, sprinting to the fore through a :26 first quarter before leading pocket rival St Lads Moonwalk (Truman Gale) through middle sectionals of :54 and 1:22.2. JK Panache began edging clear at the head of the home straight, leaving an all-out St Lads Moonwalk well behind and evading a late bid from Calvin B (Greg Merton), who emerged from last off the far turn to take the runner-up spot. St Lads Moonwalk was a labouring third, while Some Kinda Beach (Mike Merton) faded to fourth.
Dave Dewhurst co-owns 45-time winner JK Panache with Philip Hale.
In addition to his featured win, MacDonald teamed up with Pramatic Life ($2.10, 1:53.3), Charmbo Curiosity ($3.70, 1:53), and Big Cal ($2.80, 1:54) to complete his grand slam.
(Vernon Downs)