Milleniums Girl and driver Jimmy Whittemore slipped through late to win the $7,200 featured fillies & mares pace at Vernon Downs on Friday (Nov. 18).
Purameri (John MacDonald) led to the first quarter in :27.2 then Su Su Sussudio (Bob Davis) took control as they reached the backstretch and was first to the half in :56.1. She cruised to three-quarters in 1:25.4. As they made the turn for home, Purameri popped the pocket and Jeannies Terror (Truman Gale) came three-wide coming after Su Su Sussudio. Milleniums Girl ($7.30) found an opening on the inside and that made them four across the track in mid-stretch. Milleniums Girl ultimately held off a late charge from Jeannies Terror to win in 1:55 flat. Jeannies Terror had to settle for second and Purameri finished third.
Milleniums Girl is a four-year-old mare by Royel Millennium. She is owned by Chris and trainer Dale Lawton. The win was her fifth of the season from 29 starts and she now has 10 career victories.
Truman Gale drove three winners on the card. He combined with trainer Dale Gilmour for wins with P L Pandora ($2.30) and Watchwhatmyfeetdo ($5.90). His other win came with Rubyndiamond ($42).
With one night left in the meet, Frank Affrunti (65) leads Steeven Genois (61) by four for the Vernon Downs/Winning Wheels Driver of the Year title.
Closing night of the 2022 season is Saturday (Nov. 19), with an 11-race card starting at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)