Galactic Storm went gate-to-wire in a seasonal-best 1:51.1 to extend his winning streak to five in the $10,714 featured optional-claiming pace on Friday, July 3 at Vernon Downs.
Galactic Storm shot off the gate for Jimmy Whittemore, going straight to the front and leading to the quarter in :27.2. He faced no resistance to the half in :56 and three-quarters in 1:23.2 and widened his margin around the final turn. Pocket-sitter Triple Sevens (Leon Bailey) could make no headway down the lane as Galactic Storm finished in :27.4 to win by 2-3/4 lengths. Three In Heaven A (Chris Long) was third.
Galactic Storm has won five straight races at Vernon, reaching the upper-level conditioned ranks in his last two scores. Whittemore owns and trains the seven-year-old son of American Ideal-Betit To Getit, who is seven-for-18 this year and 23-for-95 lifetime. The winning gelding returned $2.40.
Leading driver Leon Bailey had a grand slam on the 13-race card. He finished first with Better Double Flip ($4.62), Chapvious ($2.34), Devils Wish ($8.60) and Major Steel ($3.68).
Vernon Downs hosts its next card on Saturday, July 4 with a post time of 5:05 p.m. Fireworks will follow live racing.
(With files from Vernon Downs)