Saver saved the best for last en route to a 1:56 triumph in Friday night’s $9,000 featured sixth race at Vernon Downs
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Saver tucked in behind the early pacesetter Unshakeable off the gate and followed the crowd-wagering favourite until deep stretch, where he rallied to win the week’s Class A Miracle Mile handicap trot by a nose.
It marked the first local score, but third tally in 14 season’s starts for the seven-year-old son of Credit Winner-Six Point, who is owned and trained by Dennis Whittemore. The time was a new mark for the career-winner of more than $144,500.
Saver’s victory completed a hat trick for Jimmy Whittemore, the track’s defending dash-winning driving champ. He also finished first with the pacers Screenplay (1:55.2) and Jet From Above (1:56) to secure his third triple in eight programs.
Six of Friday’s first place finishers won by three-quarters of a length or closer, including Pacific Wave (3/4 of a length) Greatest Hit (nose), Jet From Above (head), Saver (neck), Cool Touch (nose) and Special Yankee (neck).
(Vernon Downs)