Rocks N Bagels extended her winning streak at Vernon Downs to three on Thursday night with a victory in the $9,500 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap.
Rocks N Bagels won with a well-timed drive from Aaron Byron, who guided the mare to the outside of the heavy favourite, Lets Go Higher, in the stretch and prevailed in a very close photo finish. The final time for the mile was 1:51.4.
Lets Go Higher assumed the lead following a fast opening quarter (:26). She then set the pace through the :55.1 opening half-mile and 1:25.1 three quarters. Rocks N Bagels settled in fifth in the field of six before attacking aggressively entering the final turn.
It still took Rocks N Bagels the length of the stretch to finally get up for the victory by a scant nose. Rocks N Bagels is owned by Kelly Dawn Hope of Vernon, New York and is trained by Jordan Hope.
The driving star of Thursday night at Vernon Downs was Truman Gale, who recorded three victories on the 11-race program. He recorded victories in the second race with Campanile Hanover, in the fifth race with Aritzia Hanover, and in the seventh race with Upfront Secret. Upfront Secret's win came in a $6,000 Open Pace for Fillies & Mares in a sparkling time of 1:51.1.
Racing at Vernon Downs will resume on Friday night with a 10-race program. First post time for live racing is at 6:45 p.m.
(Vernon)