Semjac Legacy and Duke Of Wellington each finished first in the co-featured pace and trot, respectively, on Friday night (April 29) at Vernon Downs
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Semjac Legacy ($4.80) increased his winning streak to three following a 1:53.1 triumph in Friday’s $10,000 10th event, the weekend’s Open for female pacers, while Duke Of Wellington ($33.60) captured the $10,000 ninth event, the week’s Open-1 trotting test, in 1:56.3.
Semjac Legacy’s front-ending tally over seven distaff rivals was her second in succession in this class at Vernon. The one-length score marked the fourth season’s success and the 29th lifetime for the streaking five-year-old mare, a career winner of more than $200,000. Jack Rice drove for trainer Tracy Brainard and her ownership partner, Andrew Herzog.
Duke Of Wellington, making only his second local start, drafted behind the pace-setting Boy Meets Grill until the final furlong, and then rallied in the pylon path to edge the on-rushing Unshakeable by a half-a-length. Boy Meets Grill ended up third.
Friday’s victory was the third this season, 15th all-time and it resulted in a fresh win clocking for the six-year-old gelding, who increased his lifetime bankroll to nearly $87,000. Jimmy Whittemore did the catch-driving for trainer Rose Russo and owner Howard Ouriel.
(With files from Vernon Downs)