JK Panache ($3.20) made his return to Vernon Downs a triumphant one, bouncing back from a fourth-place finish at Saratoga to wire his four rivals in Saturday (October 1) evening's featured $9,900 Miracle Mile-Open Handicap Pace.
The seven-year-old Art Major gelding, who won his last local appearance by way of sustained uncovered gains through the far turn, was sent right to the front this night by Chris Lems from his assigned outside post in the field of five. The pair controlled all the terms through sectional times of :26.2, :55.1, and 1:23.1, facing nary a challenge before starting to edge away from pocket rival Quick Art (Fern Paquet Jr.) on approach to the head of the homestretch. While JK Panache left Quick Art well in his wake, Calvin B (Greg Merton) would emerge wide of rivals to take second off the far turn. Still, JK Panache evaded that late threat by one and three-quarter lengths, prevailing in 1:50.3. Flying Cowboy (John MacDonald) saved third another eight and a half lengths detached.
Trainer Dave Dewhurst shares ownership of 44-time winner JK Panache with Philip Hale.
Lems also captured the sub-featured $7,900 upper-level pacing event on the 11-race card with Modern Gesture ($4.90), pouncing from the pocket midway on the far turn and parrying a late charge from No Bad Dreams (Dan Daley) to score in 1:51 for trainer Andy Gardner and owner Mark Jakubik.
(Vernon Downs)