Jimmy Whittemore mapped out the winning trip for Only Pass Thru, who rallied to a solid score in Friday’s $7,000 featured trot at Vernon Downs.
Hammer Time (John MacDonald) went straight to the front and hit the first quarter in :27.3. He used a :28-second quarter to hit the half in :55.3. He led by three lengths as they hit three-quarters in 1:23.3.
Only Passing Thru ($7.00), who is owned by Diane Whittemore and trained by Marissa Chadbourne, was third and eight lengths back at three-quarters. Hammer Time led by two lengths as they reached the stretch. Only Passing Thru blew right on by to win easily by equalling a career best time of 1:54.2. Sky Crest (Sean McAleese) came up to finish second. Hammer Time settled for third.
Only Passing Thru is five-year-old horse by Muscle Hill. It was his seventh win this season. He now owns 18 career victories.
With just nine live racing dates left John MacDonald leads all drivers with 99 wins. Veteran reins man Howard Parker has had a terrific season. He is currently in second with 76 trips to the winner’s circle. Jimmy Whittemore is third with 73 driving wins. Leon Bailey is holding on to fourth place with 37 victories. Claude Huckabone, Jr. and Claude Huckabone III are tied for fifth with 33 wins each.
The trainer’s title is still wide open. Marissa Chadbourne leads with 39 wins. John MacDonald is just one behind with 38 tallies. Homer Hochstetler is third with 33 victories. Jessica Okusko is in fourth place with 30 wins in 94 starts. Claude Huckabone III is fifth with 28 first place finishes.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday with a 13-race card starting at 6:10 p.m.
(Vernon Downs)