Mister Miami and driver Joe Nassimos won the $7,500 featured pace at Vernon Downs on Friday (July 15).
Mister Miami ($7.70) battled with Samson J (Barton Dalious) all the way to the first turn. Mister Miami got to the quarter first in :26.2. The two pacers continued to slug it out down the backstretch as Mister Miami used a :29 second quarter to be first to the half in :55.2. Mister Miami shook free around the final turn and led to three-quarters in 1:24.2. As they reach the stretch, Mister Miami put on the after burners and jogged to a lifetime best win in 1:51.4. Northern Rein (Steeven Genois) came up to finish second and Dull Roar (Justin Huckabone) took home third money.
Mister Miami is a seven-year-old gelding by So Surreal. He is trained by Jack McNeil for owners Kind Of A Big Stable and Sarah Harrington. The win was his fourth win this season from 11 starts and he now has 12 career victories.
Justin Huckabone had three victories on the card and he leads all drivers with 57 wins on the season. Barton Dalious had a driving double and he is second on the list with 26 wins so far this year. Ron Harp had a driving double on Friday as well.
Racing continues at Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 16). Post time for is 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)