Islay N went from last to first to win the $7,700 Fillies & Mares Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (May 14). 

Surreal Feeling went straight to the front and led to the first quarter in :26.2. She used a :28 second quarter to hit the half first in :54.2. The seven-year-old mare glided to three-quarters in 1:23.1.  

As they made the turn for home, Surreal Feeling looked like she was destined to win. Islay N had other ideas. She was last at three-quarters but she looked like a rocket down the stretch and just got up in time to win in a seasonal best mile of 1:52. Surreal Feeling had to settle for second money. Purameri finished third. 

Islay N is a 10-year-old mare by Stonebridge Regal. She is trained by driver Justin Huckabone for owner Jonathan Applebaum. It was her second win this season. She now has 24 victories. She paid $31.40 to win.

Brett Crawford had three driving wins on the card. He combined with trainer Marissa Chadbourne to get wins with Galactic Storm ($7.30) and Winding Hill ($11.40). His other win came with Ladyyouaregorgeous ($17.80).   

Jeff Sorenson had three training wins on the card. He combined with driver Barton Dalious to get wins with Taken Control ($5.20) and Lapanto ($16.20). He was driver-trainer for his final win when he won with Samson J ($28.40). 

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (May 20) with a post time of 6:05 p.m. (EDT).

(Vernon Downs)