Bourbon Express and Palomar captured the co-features at Vernon Downs on Saturday (May 15).

Bourbon Express held firm to win the $7,000 Open Trot.

American JJ charged for the early lead as Bourbon Express came up to challenge with Winding Hill going three-wide as they headed for the first turn. Bourbon Express got to the first quarter first in :27.1. Spoiler Alert was the first to challenge as they went up the backstretch, but Bourbon Express held the lead to the half in :57.3. He shook loose and hit three-quarters first in 1:25.3.

As they made the turn for home, American JJ became the major danger and went all out after Bourbon Express. Bourbon Express was just too strong in deep stretch and won in 1:54.2. American JJ gave it a gallant effort but had to settle for second. Purpose Blue Chip was third.

Bourbon Express is a four-year-old gelding by RC Royalty. Owned by Sal Vullo, James DeArmond, as well as trainer Jessica Okusko. It was his second win of the season and 10th victory. Howard Okusko Jr. drove the $5.50 winner.

Palomar scored an impressive win in the $7,000 Open Pace.

Rollinlikethunder took the lead and led to the first quarter in :27.4 before Palomar took over going around the first turn. He got immediate pressure from JMs Delight as they raced for the half in :56.3. Palomar remained in control to three-quarters in 1:24.4.

As they headed for home, Palomar had another gear and won going away in 1:51.1. Rollinlikethunder was second best with Star Commander N picking up third money.

Palomar is a six-year-old gelding by Western Ideal. Owned by Seth Rosenberg Racing and trained by Justin Sodano, it was his first win of 2021 and his 17th overall. Justin Huckabone drove the $6.60 winner.

It was a good day for the Huckabone family. Justin drove three winners on the card. Brother Claude III drove a winner and trained two winners, with his son Dylan Huckabone Miller driving two horses to the winner’s circle.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (May 21) with a post time of 6:10 p.m. (EDT).

(Vernon Downs)