Phoenix, Joxter best in co-features

Phoenix (Leon Bailey) and Joxter (Dan Daley) grabbed the $6,000 co-featured harness racing trots at Vernon Downs on Friday (October 1).

Phoenix ($16.20) charges late to capture the first featured trot.

American JJ (Michael Miller) took the early lead. Battenberg (Justin Huckabone) took control just before hitting the first quarter in :27.2. He used a :30.2 second quarter to hit the half first in :57.4. Some Royalty (Frank Affrinti) was the first to make a move as they went around the final turn. Battenberg was first to three-quarters in :1;27.1.

As they made the turn for home Some Royalty took a short lead but Phoenix came flying like a bird to blow right on by to win in a lifetime best 1:55.4. Some Royalty had to settle for second. Winding Hill (Jimmy Whittemore) came up to finish third.

Phoenix is a 4-year-old gelding by Dewetcheatumnhowe. He is owned by Mrs. Shawn Okusko and Linda Finnerty while trained by Bill Okusko, It was his fourth win of the season and sixth career victory.

PHOENIX REPLAY

Joxter ($10.00) cruises to easy win in the second featured trot.

The Irishman (Jimmy Whittemore) took the lead and hit the first quarter first in :28.3. The lead was short-lived as Stenhouse Hanover (Justin Huckabone) took over as they headed for the backstretch. He led too the half in :57.3. Joxter made his move first-up going around the final turn. He took the lead and hit three-quarters first in 1:26.2.

As they reached the stretch Amazing Sevens look to be the major danger but had to settle for second as Joxter breezed to a lifetime best of 1:55.4. The Irishman was third best.

Joxter is a 3-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven. He is owned by Ann-Mari Daley and trained by Dan Daley. It was his seventh win of 2021. He now has been to the winner’s circle nine times in his career.

JOXTER REPLAY

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (October 23) with a 10-race card starting at 6:10 p.m.

For full race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs