Boiler Maker, making his first career trip to Vernon Downs, circled his four opponents in the back half to land an 11-1 upset in the $11,805 Open Handicap Pace over a sloppy track on Saturday, May 23.

Merrow (Chris Long) went to the front early, but War Of Will (John MacDonald) moved up to lead at the quarter in :25.4 with Boiler Maker (Brad Irvine) trailing the field of five. Natameri (Jimmy Whittemore) took control heading down the backstretch, then ceded control to Triple Sevens (Leon Bailey) just past the half in :54.4. The latter led to three-quarters in 1:22.3. As they reached the stretch, Natameri popped out of the pocket and made his bid, but Boiler Maker came flying three-wide and nipped Triple Sevens by a quarter-length to win in 1:51.3. Natameri was third.

Boiler Maker, an eight-year-old Sweet Lou-Mcsauna gelding, was coming off a seventh-to-first victory at Plainridge Park. He took his third win of the year in 14 starts for owner-trainer Laura Shock and is now 33-for-204 lifetime. He paid $25.06 to win.

Trainer Dave Dewhurst tripled on the nine-race card, sending out winners Primo Uomo ($2.92), Discus Hanover ($8.04) and Devils Wish ($2.22). With the perfect outing, Dewhurst is now 27-for-125 this season. He is fourth in the Vernon standings but only three wins behind leader Joe Skowyra, who has 12 tallies.

Leon Bailey had a driving grand slam. Chris Long took two wins in the sulky.

Live racing continues at Vernon Downs on Memorial Day Monday with a post time of 12:15 p.m.

(With files from Vernon Downs)