The W. Springtime Racing Stable and Shannon Brott’s Skip Jive ($9.70) made every yard a winning one in a sparkling six and a quarter length victory in Friday (October 28) evening’s featured $7,900 Miracle Mile Pace at Vernon Downs.
The three-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven gelding achieved the early lead from his mid-pack draw, sprinting off from Cheyenne Raider (Truman Gale) and controlling the pace through splits of :26.4, :55.1, and 1:22.3. Skip Jive edged away upon turning for home, leaving Cheyenne Reider well in his wake at the completion of his 1:51.3 mile. Modern Gesture (Chris Lems) emerged late to take the runner-up spot off a clear stalking trip, defeating the tiring Cheyenne Reider by one and a half lengths. Odds-on favourite Super Soph (Brett Derue) only managed fourth-place off an even effort.
Fern Paquet Jr. drove Skip Jive for trainer Dave Spagnola.
Leading driver John MacDonald proved victorious in half of the evening’s 12 races, teaming up with Azucar ($5.30, 1:57.3), Triple Charm ($5.30, 1:55.4), Jinxys Delight ($3.60, 1:53.3), Some Major Beach ($3.60, 1:53.4), Well Excuuuse Me ($3.10, 1:54.2), and Ittakestwobaby ($7.80, 1:56).
(Vernon Downs)