Taking advantage of a second-over trip and a torrid pace, the invading Burkentine Hanover ($28.20) edged clear late to win Monday (July 6) evening's $10,000 Open Pace at Vernon Downs in 1:49.2.
The five-year-old Cams Card Shark gelding tracked an early duel between Golden Receiver (driven by Fern Paquet Jr.) and Fireyourguns (Jimmy Whittemore). The latter had worked clear of his double-millionaire rival through a :25.1 first quarter.
As JK Panache (Chris Lems) commenced a first-over rally after a :52.1 opening half mile, Billy Dobson angled Burkentine Hanover out to follow cover past the apex of the far turn.
Fireyourguns hit the three-quarter mark in 1:21, but was engulfed by JK Panache upon cornering for home. At the same time, Burkentine Hanover fanned off live cover, working to the lead in mid-stretch and prevailing ultimately by three-quarters of a length.
JK Panache remained a game second, while Damon Blue Chip (John MacDonald) rallied from last to take third. Pacesetter Fireyourguns, sent off the 1-4 favorite, faded through the stretch to finish at the back of the quintet.
Heidi Rohr trains Burkentine Hanover for Michele Nelson.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (July 10) evening, with first post at 6:45 p.m. Eastern Time.
(With files from Vernon)