The most drastic change of tactics possible proved no issue for K Js Caroline, who once again was best among the top distaffers at Vernon Downs in Thursday evening’s featured $9,900 Mares Open pacing event.
The six-year-old Roddys Bags Again mare, who typically plays a big role in the pacesetting duties, dropped to last immediately, sitting well off pacesetter Yes You Can (Truman Gale) through a strong yet even pace of :27.4, :56, and 1:24. Roman Lopez angled K Js Caroline ($4.80) off the pegs with five-sixteenths to go, and the pair made immediate headway before they were carried to the four-path off the far turn by Southern Girl (Fern Paquet, Jr.), who angled to the three-path out of third just upon cornering for home. K Js Caroline would sustain her bid through a :27.1 individually-timed closing sectional to just collar Southern Girl by a neck in 1:52.1. Yes You Can gave way under duress in deep stretch, but narrowly held third from Bettorhaveanother (Brett Derue).
For K Js Caroline, the second straight Vernon win was her seventh of the year and the 30th of her career. Paul Long handles the training duties for owner-breeder Scott Woogen.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday evening with an 11-race card due to commence at 6:45 p.m.
(Vernon Downs)