by Jim Moran, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — UR Theonethatiwant and Hall Oats were the fastest winners in their respective gender divisions of Thursday night’s (Sept. 3) late closing event for New York-bred 3-year-old trotters at Vernon Downs.

Fotowon photo

UR Theonethatiwant’s 1:56.3 score was the fastest of the late closing events.

UR Theonethatiwant raced like she was the best in Thursday’s second race and proved it with a front-striding 1:56.3 triumph in the second of three filly flights. Trainer Gates Brunet did the teaming as the quick-footed daughter of Malabar Man-Sweet Gypsy Rose earned a fresh win record and her second score after six season’s starts for owner-breeder Patricia Crawford and Albert C. Crawford.

Hall Oats rallied from fourth in the early going and closed from third in the final quarter to post a one length, 1:58.1 triumph in Thursday’s fourth race, the first of two divisional tests for sophomore male high-steppers. Ruel (Dude) Goodblood, Jr. did the teaming for his wife, Whitney, as the determined son of Conway Hall-Imperial Girl charted his second win in succession and third in eight lifetime starts for owner Margret J. Smith.

Mystic Splendor won Thursday’s other male test after a pocket trip that resulted in a one length tally in the seventh session. Howard Okusko, Jr. drove for his wife, Jessica, who co-owns and trains the bay son of Giant Hit-Mystic Virtue. The 1:58.4 mile resulted in the third Vernon victory and fourth season’s score for the capable colt, who is also registered to Kenneth Finnerty.

The other filly flights were won by Princess Robyn (Conway Hall-Peace N Harmony), who earned her third career victory after a 1:59 performance for driver Kyle DiBenedetto, trainer/part-owner David Dziengiel, and his partners Joseph Ricco, Jr., and Robyn and Anthony Lake, and Fruit Bar (Malabar Man-Spawning), who earned her maiden triumph after a 1:59 effort for driver Jimmy Whittemore, trainer John Stark, Jr. and the Winbak Farm.

Dennis Whittemore’s Chantal Hall continued her winning ways with a 1:52.4 score in Thursday’s Open test for female pacers, notching her third win in succession, sixth at the meet and 10th on the campaign.

Bille Bella Chick’s 1:54.4 score in Thursday’s ninth race was her ninth first-place finish at the Downs this season, giving her a two-win cushion over fellow pacers A & G’s Winner, Allamerican Celeb and Cannae Hammer for most equine tallies at the track this year.

L’Argent Hall’s 1:58.4 victory in Thursday’s 10th race was his seventh at the Downs in 2009, making him the winningest trotter after 62 local programs.