Vernon, NY — American JJ ($11.80) and trainer-driver Michael Miller captured the $4,400 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (Sept. 18).

Spoiler Alert (McGwire Sowers) went right to the front and led to the first quarter in :28.3 before Warrawee Preferred (Leon Bailey) brushed from third to take control on the backstretch. Nearing the :58 half, Spoiler Alert made a break, allowing American JJ to inherit the pocket.

American JJ strode strongly out of the pocket to capture Friday’s featured trot at Vernon Downs. Fotowon photo.

Turning for home, American JJ popped out of the pocket and battled to take the lead from Warrawee Preferred in mid-stretch. The 7-year-old Jailhouse Jesse gelding rolled to victory, holding off a late charge by second-place finisher Volare (Dylan Huckabone-Miller) in 1:56.4. Pound Sterling (Brett Crawford) finished third.

American JJ, who is owned by Lewis and Lisa Miller, earned his sixth win of the season and the 23rd of his career.

Leon Bailey had a driving double while Dan Daley had a training and driving double. Bailey got his wins with Umberto ($2.20) and Some Royalty ($9.00); Daley won with Torre Pines ($2.40) and Lady Jeter ($3.20).

With his two wins, Leon Bailey is tied with John MacDonald atop the driver standings with 43 trips to the winner’s circle. Howard Parker (30), Jimmy Whittemore (24), Brett Crawford (13) and Jennifer Lappe (13) round out the top six.

The trainers title remains wide open with only three racing dates left in the season. Kerin Warner and George Ducharme are tied for first with 17 tallies each. Claude Huckabone III is third with 15 victories. David Dewhurst and Brandy Wine are tied for fourth with 14 wins each.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday (Sept. 19) starting at 3 p.m.

For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.