Late charge wins Open Trot at Vernon

Bourbon Express (RC Royalty) and harness racing driver Howard Okusko Jr. charged late to capture the $8,800 Open Trot at Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 16).

Spoiler Alert (Frank Affrunti) battled with Jenny Lake (Steeven Genois) as they went by the stands for the first time.  Jenny Lake went on a break heading to the first turn as Spoiler Alert then led to the quarter in :26.2.  He used a :28.0 second quarter and was first to the half in :56.2.  Da Boogie Man (Justin Huckabone) came first-up from third going around the final turn.  Spoiler Alert was first to three-quarters in 1:24.1.

As they made the turn for home Da Boogie Man took over the lead.  Cash N Chrome (Truman Gale) slipped through on the inside as Lepanto (Baton Dalious) went in between horses while Bourbon Express ($6.00), and Poker Play (Dan Daley) came flying on the outside. Six horses all with a chance then it was down to two as Bourbon Express beat out the second-place finisher, Poker Play to win in a seasonal best 1:54.0.  Da Boogie Man finished third.

Bourbon Express is a 5-year-old gelding and is owned by Sal Vullo, James De Armond, and trainer Jessica Okusko.  It was his second win this season.  He now has 16 career victories.

BOURBON EXPRESS REPLAY

Justin Huckabone had three wins on the card and leads all drivers with 60 wins.  Barton Dalious is second best with 26 tallies.  Frank Affrunti is in third with 18 victories.  Steeven Genois (15), and Truman Gale (11) round out the top five.

Jeff Sorenson leads all trainers with 20 trips to the winner’s circle this season.  Justin Huckabone and Kerin Warner are tied for second with 18 wins each.  Misty Carey is fourth on the list with 13 victories.  Jessica Okusko and Fannie Saul-Beaulieu are tied for 5^th with 9 wins each.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (July 22) as they host the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting colts.  Post time is 12:15 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs