Jack Vernon scored back-to-back victories in the Select trot at Dover Downs on Tuesday night (Dec. 15).
Jack Vernon and Whimzical Chapter left alertly at the start of the race. Jack Vernon was parked to the quarter before eventually clearing for the lead. Jack Vernon, the four-five race favourite, set fractions of :27.3 and :56.2. Northern Express, angled off the pylons from third and trotted first up past the half. The three quarters were reached in 1:24.3, a :28.1 third quarter.
At the top of the stretch, Jack Vernon inched away from a frustrated Northern Express and won by three-quarter lengths in 1:52.3, a lifetime mark for the Muscle Hill-sired seven-year-old.
Jack Vernon is owned by Howard Taylor and Michael Casalino Jr. Dylan Davis trains and Corey Callahan was the driver.
Northern Express finished a gallant second and was driven by Russell Foster. His father Arty Foster Jr. is the trainer. Magic MVP picked up the show spot for trainer Traci Berry. Pat Berry drove.
On Thursday night (Dec. 17) there will be four $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Fund race finals.
Dover Downs will conclude live harness racing on Dec. 18 and return from Christmas break on Monday, Dec. 28. First-race post time at Dover Downs is 4:30 p.m. (EST).
(Dover Downs)