by James Witherite, Vernon Downs racing media

Vernon, NY — A powerful :26.3 closing quarter from Little Santamonica ($3.60) enabled her to amass a five length margin of victory in Thursday (June 2) evening’s featured $7,500 Miracle Mile Pace for distaffers at Vernon Downs.

Fotowon photo

Little Santamonica dominated in Thursday’s featured Miracle Mile event for pacing mares.

The 8-year-old Little Steven mare sprinted clear from her assigned outside post before yielding to Wanna Rock N Roll (Truman Gale) at the completion of a :26.2 first quarter. Little Santamonica would enjoy a cozy and clear pocket trip through a rated :57.2 middle half before Chris Lems angled her out at head-stretch.

At first asking, Little Santamonica sprinted off, making quick work of Wanna Rock N Roll and evading eventual runner-up Yes You Can (John MacDonald) by five lengths in a 1:50.3 mile. The Filly Princess (Andy Gardner) made similarly mild late gains to take third, while pacesetter Wanna Rock N Roll faded to finish fifth in the field of six.

Jordan Hope owns and trains Little Santamonica. For Lems, the featured win was one of three on the night.

Jimmy Whittemore also registered a hat trick on the nine-race card, with a pillar-to-post 1:53.1 effort from Gimme The Cash in the sub-featured $5,500 Mares Miracle Mile Trot one of his three wins.

The 50-cent Pick-5 was hit for $100.12.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (June 3) evening, with the first of nine races slated for 6:45 p.m. (EDT).