by Jim Moran, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Victories by Banker’s Lane, My Girl Lora and driver Howard Okusko, Jr. were highlights of Thursday night’s (May 17) 12-race card at Vernon Downs.

Banker’s Lane defeated the favorite in the $5,500 11th event, the week’s top trotting test, while My Girl Lora lived up to the crowd’s backing by beating back the advances of upstart Victoria Hanover in Thursday’s $5,000 ninth race feature for female pacers.

Okusko, Vernon’s defending dash-winning champ, register first place finishes in Thursday’s first, fourth, seventh and 10th races, and advanced to a 22-20 lead over chief rival Josh Marks in this season’s local dash-winning derby.

Banker’s Lane rallied overland from fourth at the quarter to overtake the pacesetting crowd wagering choice, Spirit Of The Law, entering the final furlong, then continued on to a solid 1:56.3 score. It was the second straight tally and third win at the meet for the productive 6-year-old, who has earned more than $11,400 in eight current outings for owner/trainer Dennis Whittemore. Debra Fobes, who paid a meet-high $15,000, claimed the gifted son of Primrose Lane.

Jimmy Whittemore, who also drove Banker’s Lane, guided My Girl Lora to a front-striding 1:55.2 triumph, her third of the campaign. Dennis Whittemore and Paul Richardson share ownership of the spunky 4-year-old mare, who has banked nearly $10,000 in 11 current outings.

Okusko’s victories came behind the trotters Rio Bravo Hall, owned by the Purple Haze Stables; C J’s Victory, registered to the Perry Racing Stable; J N Touchdown, owned by Myron Ekstein, and Mike and William Pozefsky; and Red Hot Kash, also a member of the Purple Haze Stables.

Rio Bravo Hall became the 13-night meet’s initial four-time winner after his 1:58.4 fast-closing score in Thursday’s lid-lifter.

Downs Doings: Whittemore’s two-win performance was his third at the meet…Veteran trainer Dave Dewhurst harnessed three winners (Hard Edge Spirit, Space Dragon and Sporty Suzy) during the evening…The Downs, making plans to offer Tuesday racing (first post 5:00 p.m.) for the first time next week (May 22), will present an 11-event program following the Preakness simulcast, or at approximately 6:45 p.m., this Saturday (May 19)…Vernon’s 777-machine video gaming facility operates daily from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m., while the track’s simulcast schedule starts each day at 11:00 a.m.