American JJ shakes free in feature

American JJ (Michael Miller) breezes to an easy win in the featured $6,000 harness racing trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (July 2).

Barn Hall went to the front and led to the first quarter in :27.1.  Bet Big On Blue (Leon Bailey) took over the lead on the back stretch and was first to the half in :57.0.  Double Dealing (Jimmy Whittemore) made a first-over move and battled Bet Big On Blue for the lead around the final turn.  Bet Big On Blue held the lead to three-quarters in 1:26.2.

American JJ ($4.60) was looming second-over fourth at three-quarters.  He made a three-wide move as they made the turn for home.  He blew right on by down the stretch and won going away in a seasonal best of 1:54.3.  Schwarber (Steeven Genois) fired late to finish second.  Double Dealing got third money.

AMERICAN JJ REPLAY

American JJ is an 8-year-old gelding by Jailhouse Jesse.  Owned by Lewis and Lisa Miller while trained by Hannah Miller.  It was his fourth win of the season and 27^th career victory.

It was Miller time at Vernon.  As trainer Hannah Miller and driver Michael Miller combined for the late double.  Their other win came with Ex Crown ($8.50).  Truman Gale, Leon Bailey, and Chris Long all had driving doubles.

Leon Bailey leads all drivers with 46 wins.  Justin Huckabone is second on the list with 23 victories. John MacDonald is third with 20 trips to the winner’s circle.  Jimmy Whittemore (18) and Chris Long (17) round out the top five.

Jeff Sorenson leads all trainers with 14 wins.  Jessica Okusko and Justin Huckabone are tied for second with 12 wins a piece.  Bruce Lauer is fourth with 10 victories.  Claude Huckabone III is fifth best with eight training wins.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (July 3) with a 10-race card.  Post time is 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com

For full race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs