American Jewel with regular pilot Tim Tetrick will headline the second division (race six) and she has drawn post position number nine going for $34,091. The daughter of American Ideal–Trim Hanover was undefeated through eight starts last year until she lost to Big McDeal in Lexington in early October. American Jewel came out of that race with an injury that forced her to the sidelines until this year. Jimmy Takter trains American Jewel who sports a career record of eight wins and a second in nine lifetime starts with earnings of more than $677,000.
Handsoffmycookie, who won the NYSS final last year and was second in the Breeders Crown and Three Diamonds finals, will headline the third and final division (race eight). Tim Tetrick will also be handling the driving duties on the daughter of Art Major–Observe Me for trainer Scott DiDomenico. Handsoffmycookie was never worse than second last year and chalked up a freshman record of nine wins and three seconds in 12 starts, good for $575,000 in earnings. She will leave from post position number three on Saturday night.
Vernon Downs kicks off its three consecutive days of live racing on Thursday (May 17) at 6:55 p.m. For more information visit www.vernondowns.com.