Billie Blue (Leon Bailey) and Jericho Diva (Frank Affrunti) won the co-featured Open events at Vernon Downs on Friday night (Oct. 1).
Billie Blue ($8.50) zoomed by his rivals to win the $5,000 Open 3 Trot.
Battenberg (Roman Lopez) led through fractions of :27, :57.1 and 1:27. Frisky Joe (Truman Gale) was first to make a move as they headed to the final turn before Southwind Falcon (Ron Harp) came flying three-wide and took over the lead. Billie Blue then snuck through on the inside and blew right on by to win easily in 1:56.4. Southwind Falcon had to settle for second. Ladyyouaregorgeous (Jimmy Whittemore) closed late to finish third.
Billie Blue is a seven-year-old mare by Conway Hall. She is owned by Beauty Bridle Racing Stable Inc. and trained by Jake Huff. The win was her fifth this season from 31 starts and her 25th victory lifetime.
Jericho Diva ($5.20) cruised to easy win in the $5,000 Open 3 Fillies & Mares Pace.
Jericho Diva charged out of the gate and went straight to the front followed by Culinary Artist (Leon Bailey). She led through fractions of :27, :55.4 and 1:24.1. It still remained a two-horse race as they headed for the final turn.
As they made the turn for home, Jericho Diva took off and won easily in a lifetime-best 1:52.1. Culinary Artist was a distant second. Dream On A Roll (Chris Long) finished third.
Jericho Diva is six-year-old mare by Rock N Roll Heaven. She is owned by Jennifer Safford and trained by Don Hoover. The win was her fifth win this season from 29 starts. She now has 15 career victories.
Vernon Downs leading driver Leon Bailey had four wins on the card. He got his other wins with Side Hustle ($11.20), Kolin ($8) and Billion Dollar Day ($8.50).
Live racing returns at Vernon Downs on Saturday with an 11-race card starting at 6:10 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)