Butterscotch Swirl and Baileysirishdream shared the limelight during Friday night’s program at Vernon Downs

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Butterscotch Swirl secured a 1:54.4 triumph in the week’s $9,000 Open Handicap Trot, while Baileysirishdream uncorked a 1:53.4 lifetime best score in Friday’s $4,500 fifth event that stands as the fastest mile by a diagonally gaited performer through 29 programs.

A winner against Open-2 competition here on May 25, Butterscotch Swirl raced along in fifth place through the first four furlongs of Friday’s sixth race, then began a rally from third entering Vernon’s final turn that resulted in a head victory over Brick, the leader entering the homestretch. It was the third tally in 12 season’s starts for the six-year-old son of Credit Winner-Flavorofthemonth. Bill Bailey drove for trainer Dave Dewhurst and owners Regina Dewhurst, Dave’s wife, and Dominick Schillace.

With Jimmy Whittemore sitting in for trainer Ray Van Dreason, Baileysirishdream stayed in the middle of the seven-horse cast as Proud Moment took the field to the half in :57.1. The quick-footed four-year-old daughter of Matchem Hanover-Lady Isabeau advanced from fourth into the lead approaching the third station, and then drew off to a seven-length score over the favourite, Slated For Success. It marked the second current victory for the career winner of 19 races and $184,321, who is owned by Richard and Barbara Bailey. The time was just three-fifths of a second off the all-time Downs standard for her age, gender and gait.

Bailey, Howard Okusko, Jr. and Chris Lems each recorded driving doubles during Friday’s 10-race card.

(Vernon Downs)