Following a third-place finish in last week's Open, Bourbon Express ($3.80) dropped down in class and won a $8,700 trot featured at Vernon Downs on Friday (Nov. 4) with driver Frank Affrunti in the sulky.
Southwind Falcon (Michael Miller) led to the first quarter in :26.3 then Bourbon Express took control going around the first turn. Sevenshotsobourbon (Jimmy Whittemore) went flying first-over down the backstretch and was first to the half in :56.4. Going around the final turn, Bourbon Express went after Sevenshotsobourbon, who was first to three-quarters in 1:25. As they reached the stretch, Bourbon Express reclaimed the lead and won in a seasonal best of 1:53.4. Poker Play (Leon Bailey) came charging late to finish second, 1-3/4 lengths behind, while Sevenshotsobourbon had to settle for third.
Bourbon Express is a five-year-old gelding by RC Royalty. He is owned by Sal Vullo, James DeArmond and trainer Jessica Okusko. The win was the trotter's fourth this season from 21 starts and he now has 18 career victories.
Leon Bailey drove three winners on the card while Kerin Warner trained three winners. Adam Capizzano had a driving-training double.
Live racing continues on Saturday, with a 10-race card starting at 6:05 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)