by harness racing publicists across North America

Thursday evening’s (Sept. 29) edition of Racing Roundup features a results story from Vernon Downs.

K J’s Caroline rallies, repeats in top distaff

Vernon, NY — The most drastic change of tactics possible proved no issue for K J’s Caroline ($4.80), who once again was best among the top distaffers at Vernon Downs in Thursday evening’s (Sept. 29) featured $9,900 Mares Open pacing event.

Fotowon photo

K J’s Caroline was a last-to-first winner in Thursday’s distaff pacing feature at Vernon Downs.

The 6-year-old Roddy’s Bags Again mare, who typically plays a big role in the pacesetting duties, dropped to last immediately, sitting well off pacesetter Yes You Can (Truman Gale) through a strong yet even pace of :27.4, :56, and 1:24. Roman Lopez angled K J’s Caroline off the pegs with 5/16ths to go, and the pair made immediate headway before they were carried to the four-path off the far turn by Southern Girl (Fern Paquet, Jr.), who angled to the three-path out of third just upon cornering for home.

K J’s Caroline would sustain her bid through a :27.1 individually-timed closing sectional to just collar Southern Girl by a neck in 1:52.1. Yes You Can gave way under duress in deep stretch, but narrowly held third from Bettorhaveanother (Brett Derue).

For K J’s Caroline, the second straight Vernon win was her seventh of the year and the 30th of her career. Paul Long handles the training duties for owner/breeder Scott Woogen.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday evening (Sept. 30) with an 11-race card due to commence at 6:45 p.m.

— by James Witherite