American JJ ($4.60) breezed to an easy win in the featured $6,000 trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (July 2).
Barn Hall led to the first quarter in :27.1 before yielding to Bet Big On Blue (Leon Bailey) on the backstretch approaching a :57 half. Double Dealing (Jimmy Whittemore) made a first-over move and battled Bet Big On Blue for the lead around the final turn, but Bet Big On Blue held the lead to three-quarters in 1:26.2 while Michael Miller placed American JJ second-over in fourth. The eight-year-old Jailhouse Jesse gelding made a three-wide move off the the turn for home and won going away in a seasonal best of 1:54.3. Schwarber (Steeven Genois) fired late to finish second; Double Dealing got third money.
American JJ is owned by Lewis and Lisa Miller while trained by Hannah Miller. It was his fourth win of the season and 27th career victory.
Trainer Hannah Miller and driver Michael Miller combined for the late double, as their other win came with Ex Crown ($8.50). Truman Gale, Leon Bailey and Chris Long all had driving doubles.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 3) with a 10-race card. Post time is 6:10 p.m.
For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.
(Vernon Downs)