by James Witherite for Vernon Downs

Vernon, N.Y. — While her previous Vernon Downs appearancesaw her give futile chase to Shutthefrontdoor, owner-trainer Jordan Hope’sLittle Santamonica ($6.00) was the one who could not be caught in Thursday (May12) evening’s $8,500 Mares Open Pace at the Miracle Mile.

Frank Davis was patient early with the California-bred,rating off dueling leaders Wanna Rock N Roll (Jimmy Whittemore) and All ChargedUp (John MacDonald) through a :26.3 first quarter before brushing clear on thebackstretch. After intermediate splits of :55.1 and 1:24.2, the 8-year-oldLittle Steven mare edged clear of All Charged Up to a 2-1/2 length lead at theeighth pole. While odds-on favorite All Charged Up made up part of that marginin the stretch, Little Santamonica’s :27.3 last quarter was enough to keep hera length in front for a 1:52 score, the 42nd of her career. All Charged Up wastwo lengths clear of Looney Dune (Fern Paquet, Jr.) for second.

Hope and Davis also teamed up in the opener with RegallyBlonde ($10.40), a 1:54.3 winner from the pocket in a $3,500 distaff pace.Additionally, Jimmy Whittemore notched a driving double on the nine race card.

The 50 cent Pick 5 was not hit, due in large part to a narrow79-1 upset by Steuben Bentley (2:01.3, Claude Huckabone, III) in the evening’ssixth race, a $3,000 maiden trot. Friday (May 13) evening’s Pick 5–starting inthe fifth race–will have a $712.43 carryover added to the pool.

Vernon Downs is full swing into a three-nights-weeklyschedule, racing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with a 6:45 p.m. firstpost.