Simpson Stakes for 3YO trotters held at Vernon

Whata Winner tied the season's trotting standard, while Jesse's Messenger remained undefeated after nine career starts in separate divisions of the $104,763 John F. Simpson Memorial Stakes for 3-year-old trotters at Vernon Downs on Saturday night.

 

Leaving from the second tier in the only colt division, Whata Winner waltzed home from third in the final furlong to capture the $53,575 fourth race in 1:55.. Trainer Jim Doherty drove for his ownership partners Thomas Dillon and Terrax Inc. as the gelded son of Credit Winner-Whata Chippie earned his third victory in four season's starts and lowered his lifetime speed-mark by 2-2/5ths seconds.

 

The highly-regarded Jesse's Messenger notched her season's debut in the win column with a 1:55.4 performance in a $25, 844 Simpson for trotting fillies. The smooth-striding daughter of Jailhouse Jesse-Laser Messenger drew off from her six rivals in the third race and was well in hand at the finish.  Mike Simons drove for trainer Kent Sherman and owner Daryl Sherman as the all-time winner of $134,639 earned a personal best speed badge.

 

The $25,344 second division of Simpson for fillies went to Impressive Kemp, who powered through the stretch to defeat the pacesetting Munis Blue Chip by a head in 1:57.4.  Michael Vanderkemp did the steering for trainer Noel Daley as the quick-footed 3-year-old daughter of Credit Winner-Emilie Cas El scored in her season's debut and secured her second career victory for owner John Edward Cloutier. (Vernon Downs)