Original runner-up Fortunes Jenna had his fortune reversed for the better as a result of a winner disqualification in Wednesday’s $7,400 final leg of the Horace Martin Memorial Pacing Series at Colonial Downs.
Dean Eckley’s Jovial Joker N, who entered the finale with two wins in the three earlier Martin Series legs, scored what appeared to be a near wire-to-wire effort in the 1-1/4 miles finale in 2:26.2 in a steady drizzle. The 13-year-old Life Sign gelding crossed a half-length in front of Fortunes Jenna, but after a judge’s inquiry, it was ruled that he caused interference with the runner-up and the order was reversed.
Fortunes Jenna was as far back as sixth in the second turn, but came on strong in the stretch, and despite the interference, almost passed Jovial Joker N before the finish.
The eight-year-old Cams Fortune gelding earned his second series win and 20th career victory. Jeff Nisonger directed the winner for trainer John Ingram and owner Daniel Chansky of Keysville, Virginia. Lemondrop Martini took third.
Vertigo Hanover completed a series sweep in the U Gotta Win One Pacing Series by capturing the $5,650 final leg at the 1-1/4 miles distance. Driver Chuck Perry previously guided the seven-year-old The Panderosa gelding to victories in the 7/8th mile first leg and one-mile second leg by identical two and a half length margins.
On Wednesday, Vertigo Hanover traded front stepping places with All Is Lost on two different occasions before he opened up by five at the top of the stretch and coasted home nine and three-quarter lengths ahead of Forward Bliss, who came from way back to take second. The winner, who crossed in 2:26.3, is trained and owned by Henry Lewis.
(Colonial Downs)