Dover, DE — Jack Vernon rode cover to a minor 5-1 upset in Tuesday night’s (Jan. 12) $20,000 Open Handicap Trot at Dover Downs.

Jack Vernon rode live cover to the winner’s circle on Tuesday at Dover Downs. Fotowon photo.

Warrior One, Pat Matters and JL Cruze all left for the early lead, and JL Cruze muscled his way to the top over Pat Matters — who accepted the pocket — through a hard-fought :26.4 first quarter before racing uncontested through a :55.1 half. After his early leave attempt, Warrior One made a second move up the backstretch, attacking first-up while Corey Callahan landed Jack Vernon into second-over coveer nearing three-quarters in 1:24.

On the final turn, JL Cruze became leg weary and started to fade, and Warrior One’s bid was eclipsed midway in the stretch as Jack Vernon stormed past to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:53. Warrior One (Yannick Gingras) finished second; All Champy (Ross Wolfenden) finished third.

Jack Vernon, an 8-year-old gelded son of Muscle Hill, is trained by Dylan Davis for owners Howard Taylor and Michael Casalino Jr. He paid $13.60 to win.

Racing returns to Dover Downs on Wednesday (Jan. 13) with a $28,604 carryover in the 50-cent Pick-5, which covers the last five races of the card. Post time is 4:30 p.m.