After directly tracking a fast pace, Card Knock Life ($6.40) pounced from the pocket and kicked clear for a 4-1/2 length win in Saturday (October 17) night's featured $8,000 Open II Pace at Vernon Downs.
Trainer-driver Truman Gale situated the five-year-old Western Ideal gelding in the pocket to track a rapid pace set by Sassy Hanover (John MacDonald). With the other four contenders well detached through sectionals of :26.3, :55.1, and 1:23, Card Knock Life was able to vault clear from the pocket with ease just upon straightening for home. As soon as he passed the tiring Sassy Hanover, he kicked away at will, staying well out of reach of No Monkeys Allowed (Greg Merton) and Shock N Rock (Justin Huckabone), both of whom rallied late to round out the top three positions.
Donn Lewandrowski and Gail Farrell own Card Knock Life, whose 1:51.3 victory was his second consecutive local triumph in the Open ranks.
John MacDonald led all drivers with four wins on the 11-race program, teaming up with Western Legend ($6.40, 1:52.4), Tarport Andy ($4.30, 1:55), Flying Cowboy ($4.20, 1:52), and Feel The Heat ($7.60, 1:53.2).
(Vernon Downs)