Vernon, NY — Warrrawee Preferred (Jim Taggert Jr.) won the $5,600 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Thursday (June 11).

Only Passing Thru (Jimmy Whittemore) jumped to the front and led to a first quarter of :27.2. The big favorite, Wings Of Royalty (Howard Parker), took over the lead as they headed around the clubhouse turn and hit the half in :56. He controlled the way as they hit three-quarters in 1:24.2.

Warrawee Preferred looked like he was shot out of a cannon as he went on by to win in a lifetime best of 1:54.4. Fotowon photo.

Warrawee Preferred ($21.00), who is owned by Scott Woogen and trained by Kerin Warner, was fourth as they made the turn for home. It looked like Wings Of Royalty was going to win it easy, but Warrawee Preferred looked like he was shot out of a cannon as he went on by to win in a lifetime best of 1:54.4. Wings Of Royalty had to settle for second. Fashionwoodchopper fired late to finish third.

Warrawee Preferred is a 9-year-old gelding by Federal Flex. It was his third win of the season and 46th career victory.

Jimmy Whittemore drove three winners on the night. He won with Ohio Larry ($7.50), Skip Jive ($2.60), and My Blue Opal ($7.00).

JIm Taggert Jr., Fern Paquet Jr., and Leon Bailey all had driving doubles on the night.

For the second straight day the “Miracle Mile” had a strong handle. After an opening day handle of more than $350,000, Vernon Downs took in a handle of $304,121 on Thursday.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Wednesday (June 17) with a 4 p.m. start time. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.