Star Commander claimed victory in the $6,000 featured pace on opening night at Vernon Downs on Saturday (April 17).
Star Commander N sprinted off the car and went to the front, hitting the first quarter in :27.3 with Golden Gun following in second. Star Commander used a :30.2 second quarter to hit the half in :58. Wind Blast came flying first over from fourth and took over second as they went around the final turn.
Wind Blast tried to close as they hit three-quarters in 1:25.1, but Star Commander N was too strong in the stretch and he won in 1:52.4. Wind Blast had to settle for second money. Badix Hanover finished third.
Star Commander is a seven-year-old horse by Art Major owned by Kristie Leigh Farm Inc., and trained by Marissa Chadbourne. He won for the first time this season and 13th time in his career. Jimmy Whittemore drove the $4.80 winner.
Whittemore won four races on the card, combining with Chadbourne for two more wins with Bold Fresh ($6.10) and Only Passing Thru ($5.00). Whittemore’s fourth win came with Bruces Magic ($4.90).
Lucky June Bug went gate-to-wire to capture the $6,000 featured trot.
Lucky June Bug ($6.30) grabbed the lead and posted fractions of :28.2, :59.3, 1:29 as American JJ followed the whole way in the pocket.
Lucky June Bug put on the burners as they made the turn for home and held off a late charge by runner-up Haveitalltogether to win in 1:57.1. American JJ had to settle for third.
Lucky June Bug is a five-year-old gelding by Lucky Chucky. He is trained by Stanley Zombick Jr. for owners Myron Eckstein, William and Michael Pozefsky. It was his first win of 2021 and his 16th victory overall.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (April 23).
(Vernon Downs)