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Sunday’s (Aug. 9) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Vernon Downs and Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Card Knock Life is a first-over winner in Vernon feature

Vernon, NY — Sustaining a first-over bid through the far turn, Card Knock Life ($9.50) was able to just prevail over even-money favorite Big City Jewel in Sunday afternoon’s $8,000 Open II Pace at Vernon Downs.

Fotowon photo

Card Knock Life just collared Big City Jewel in Sunday’s $8,000 Open II Pace at Vernon Downs.

Trainer-driver Truman Gale settled in midfield with the 5-year-old Western Ideal gelding, drafting well behind a :54.4 half set by Big City Jewel (Chris Lems) before commencing his bid on the far turn.

Card Knock Life forced a :27.4 third quarter, but was momentarily rebuffed in upper stretch by Big City Jewel. After dueling through mid-stretch, Card Knock Life was able to just wear down his main adversary, prevailing by a half-length in 1:51. Wild Shot Hanover (Fern Paquet Jr.) rallied stoutly to save third after he was shuffled to last on the far turn.

Donn Lewandrowski and Gail Farrell own Card Knock Life.

Chris Lems led all drivers, tallying three wins on the nine-race card.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (Aug. 14) evening, with post time slated for 6:45 p.m. (EDT).

— James Witherite

Harrah’s Philadelphia
A field of eight upper-level conditioned pacers lined up behind the starter for the featured event of the afternoon, going for a purse of $22,000. The favorite at post time was Brian and Stephen Gordon’s Bestjetyet (George Napolitano Jr.). The 6-year-old son of Cam’s Card Shark was coming off a gate-to-wire score against easier last week here. He was put into play early on from post five, taking the lead by the opening quarter in :26.3. Pressure arrived at the half in the form of second favorite Mojo Terror (Corey Callahan). The half was paced in :55.1. The battle continued at three-quarters (1:22.3), but that’s when Bestjetyet extended his advantage. He ended up winning by one length in the end, stopping the clock in 1:50.3. It was the 22nd win of his career and the fourth of the season. Mojo Terror was second, while Jeneral Patton (Vic Kirby) finished third. Bestjetyet ($3.80) is trained by Gilbert Garcia-Herrera.