Jenny Lake held off all challengers to win the $7,000 Open Trot at Vernon Downs on Saturday (June 5).
Lucky June Bug led to the first quarter in :26.3 and faced no pressure to a :56 half. Jenny Lake made her move first over from third as they went around the final turn. Lucky June still led to three-quarters in 1:24.3.
Jenny Lake battled with Lucky June Bug as they went down the stretch. She shook lose in deep stretch but had to brace for a late charge from second-place finisher Credit List and third-place finisher Majestic Fire. Jenny Lake hung on to win in a lifetime-best 1:53.4.
.jpg)
Jenny Lake is a five-year-old mare by RC Royalty. She is owned by Carol Namiotka and Ed Namiotka, Jr. while trained by Paul Minckler. She is two-for-two in 2021 and now has 19 victories overall. Leon Bailey sat in the bike.
Bailey, Vernon's leading driver, won four races on the card. His other wins came with Explosive Jet $5.80, Heavens Storm ($3.70), and Jackies Express ($5.50). Truman Gale meanwhile drove three winners on the card. He got his wins with One After Nine ($7.80), Bet Big On Blue ($36.20), and Buckys Brat ($22.20).
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (June 11). First-race post time is 6:10 p.m. (EDT).
(Vernon Downs)