Vernon, NY — Jimmy Whittemore won four including the $6,000 featured pace with Star Commander N on opening night at Vernon Downs on Saturday (April 17). 

Star Commander N gave Whittemore one of four wins on Saturday night’s opening program at Vernon Downs. Fotowon Photo.

Star Commander N ($4.80) jumped out of the gate and went to the front hitting the first quarter in :27.3 with Golden Gun (Jeff Sorenson) following in second.  Star Commander used a 30.2 second quarter to hit the half in :58.  Wind Blast (Justin Huckabone) came flying first-over from fourth and took over second as they went around the final turn.    

Wind Blast tried to close in as they hit three-quarters in 1:25 but Star Commander N was too strong in the stretch and he won in 1:52.4.  Win Blast had to settle for second money.  Badix Hanover (Leon Bailey) finished third.    

Star Commander is a 7-year-old horse by Art Major.  Owned by Kristie Leigh Farm Inc., and trained by Marissa Chadbourne.  He won for the first time this season and the 13th time in his career.    

Whittemore combined with Chadbourne for two more wins with Bold Fresh ($6.10) and Only Passing Thru ($5.00).  Whittemore’s fourth win came with Bruce’s Magic ($4.90). 

Lucky June Bug (John MacDonald) went gate-to-wire to capture the $6,000 featured trot. 

Lucky June Bug ($6.30) grabbed the lead and put up all the early fractions (:28.2, :59.3, 1:29) as American JJ (Michael Miller) followed the whole way in the pocket. 

Lucky June Bug put on the burners as they made the turn for home and held off a late charge by runner-up Haveitalltogether (Chris Long) to win in 1:57.1.  American JJ had to settle for third. 

Lucky June Bug is a 5-year-old gelding by Lucky Chucky.  He is trained by Stanley Zombick Jr. for owners Myron Eckstein, William and Michael Pozefsky.  It was his first win of 2021.  He now has 16 career victories.  

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (April 23). 

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.