American JJ won the $6,000 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Saturday, Aug. 31.
Sweet Royalty went to the lead, hitting the first quarter in :27.2. American JJ ($14.20) followed from the pocket and watched as Sweet Royalty hit the half in :57.1 and three-quarters in 1:26.1.
American JJ, who is owned by Lewis and Terry Miller while trained and driven by Michael D. Miller, popped pocket as they made the turn for home. Sweet Royalty held tough in the stretch but American JJ kept coming at him. American JJ cleared in deep stretch and held off the late charge by second place finisher The Fixer to win in a lifetime-best 1:55.2. Sweet Royalty had to settle for third.
American JJ is a six-year-old gelding by Jailhouse Jesse. It was his fifth win of the season. He now owns 16 victories.
Driver Jimmy Whittemore and leading trainer Marissa Chadbourne combined for three winners on the night. They went to the winner's circle with Blameitonthenight ($4.40), Gracie G ($10.60), and Winding Hill ($5.80).
Jay Jonza of Wahington Mills, NY won the 2019 Toyota Corolla in the Horseplay Car Giveaway contest. Patrons purchased rubber horses starting on opening day with all the money going to different local charities each month. If their horse was picked out of the horses that laned in the car they received an entry to win the car plus a wagering voucher. Tonigh they picked out every entry until their was only one left. Jonza was all smiles when his name was picked. He is a regular at Vernon Downs and everyone said it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing with a special 10 race matinee on Labor Day Monday, Sept. 2 starting at 1:05 p.m.
(Vernon Downs)