Poker Play bluffs way to winner's circle

Poker Play (Yankee Glide) and driver Truman Gale went from last to first to capture the featured $7,200 harness racing trot at Vernon Downs on Saturday (October 15).

Jenny Lake (Leon Bailey), who was the big favorite went on a break before the start.  Sweet Sofie T (Ron Harp) led to the first quarter in :29.4.  She used a :30 second quarter to be first to the half in :59.4.  Jenny Lake recovered from the early break and came first-over and challenged for the lead going around the final turn.  Sweet Sofie T led to three-quarters in 1:29.0.

As they made the turn for home American JJ (Michael Miller) slipped though on the inside to make it three across the track.  Poker Play ($16.80) came flying down the lane like he was shot out of a cannon and blew by them all to win in 1:58.0.  Sweet Sofie T had to settle for second.  American JJ finished third.

Poker Play is a 5-year-old gelding trained by Kerin Warner for owners Donn Lewandrowski and Gail Farrell.  It was his sixth win in 2022.  He now has 15 career victories.

POKER PLAY REPLAY

Steeven Genois drove three winners on the card.  He picked up victories with All Heart I Am ($17.00), Frontier Rollo ($6.30), and Bardmiry ($7.00).

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (October 21).

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs