Tataria ($8.10), driven by Truman Gale, beat four other mares to win the $7,500 Fillies and Mares feature on Friday night (June 16) at Vernon Downs.
Owned and trained by Melissa Beckwith, the five-year-old mare by Four Starzzz Shark rode the pocket seat following Its A Miracle (Chris Lems). Tataria came out of the pocket and easily overtook Its A Miracle (second) to win in 1:52.2. Dreas Good Powow (John MacDonald) was third-best.
Chris Lems had three wins on the night. "Lemsy" was victorious in race one taking Escada De Vie ($5.70) past E R Rhonda (Truman Gale) in the stretch to win in 1:53.2. In race four, he guided Wine Photo to an easy six-length win in 1:57. Lems won his third race of the night during race five. He took Billie Blue ($2.90) to a gate-to-wire victory just holding off the late-charging New Scent (Jimmy Wittemore) in 1:55.4.
Vernon is back Saturday night with an 11-race card starting at 6:45 p.m. The track will welcome ostrich and camel racing as well. On Sunday, Vernon will host a special Father's Day matinee starting at 1:05 p.m. featuring the Empire Breeders Classic Final for three-year-old fillies and their counterpart colts as well as New York Sire Stakes for three-year-old colts.
(With files from Vernon Downs)