Bourbon Express charged late to capture the $8,800 Open Trot at Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 16).

Spoiler Alert battled with Jenny Lake 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 second quarter and was first to the half in :56.2. Da Boogie Man 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 slipped through on the inside as Lepanto went in between horses while Bourbon Express and Poker Play came flying on the outside. Six horses all had a chance, but 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. Da Boogie Man finished third. 

Bourbon Express is a five-year-old gelding by RC Royalty. He is owned by Sal Vullo, James De Armond, and trainer Jessica Okusko. It was his second win this season. He now has 16 victories and paid $6 to win. Howard Okusko Jr. was in the bike. 

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 5th with 9 wins each. 

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

(Vernon Downs)