Jenny Lake, driven by Steeven Genois, held on to win the featured $6,000 Open 2 Trot at Vernon Downs on Friday, Sept. 10.
Jenny Lake ($6.50) went to the front and was followed by Gettin Serious (Roman Lopez). The five-year-old RC Royalty mare led to the first quarter in :28.2 and half in :57.2.
American JJ (Michael Miller) was the first to make a move going first-over around the far turn but he just sputtered as Jenny Lake led to three-quarters in 1:26.1.
As they made the turn for home, Gettin Serious popped the pocket and came after Jenny Lake, who started to tire in deep stretch but held on to win by a head in 1:54.4. Saylor (Claude Huckabone III) came up to finish third.
Jenny Lake is trained by Paul Minckler for owners Carol Namiotka and Ed Namiotka Jr. The win was her sixth of the season from 13 starts. She now has 23 career victories.
Jimmy Wittemore drove three winners on the card while Leon Bailey and Steeven Genois drove two winners. Paul Minckler and Marissa Chadbourne each had training doubles.
Leon Bailey leads all drivers at the Vernon meet with 99 wins. Justin Huckabone is second on the list with 58 victories. Jimmy Whittemore is third with 34 trips to the winner’s circle. Chris Long (31) and John MacDonald (21) round out the top five.
Jeff Sorenson leads all trainers with 27 wins. Jessica Okusko has 21 victories. Bruce Lauer, George Ducharme and Justin Huckabone are tied for third with 17 wins.
Live racing continues on Saturday when Vernon Downs will host eight $50,000 New York Excelsior A Series finals. Fireworks will follow live racing. Post time for the 12-race card is 6:10 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)