So far, 2022 is the year of Justin Huckabone as he added five more driving wins and three training wins to his impressive season total at Vernon Downs on Saturday (April 30).
Huckabone steered Credit List to a victory in the $7,000 Open Trot.
Credit List was first to the quarter in :28.1. Meadowbranch Rickey (Mike Merton) then took over and led to the half in :57.2. Credit List came first up as they went around the final turn but Meadowbranch Rickey still had a short lead and led to three-quarters in 1:27.
As they made the turn for home, it was all Credit List breezing down the stretch to win easily in a seasonal best of 1:55.4. Spoiler Alert came up to finish second. Joxter finished third.
Credit List is a seven-year-old gelding by Credit Winner. He is trained by Huckabone for owner Jonathan Applebaum. It was his second win this season. He now owns 25 victories. He paid $4.20 to win.
Huckabone was just the driver for wins with Bet Big On Blue ($3.90) and Major Steel ($10.40). He was driver-trainer for wins with Da Boogie Man ($6.50) and Wind Blast ($2.70).
Chatelroll charged late to win the $7,000 Open Pace.
Lyons Pegasus led to the first quarter in :26.2. Golden Gun was alongside as they went around the first turn. He wrestled the lead away just before hitting the half first in :54.3. Northern Rein was the next to make a move and led to three-quarters in 1:22.4.
Chatelroll looked like he was shot out of a cannon as they entered the stretch and he blew right on by to win in 1:51.4. Northern Rein had to settle for second. Frontier Rollo was third.
Chatelroll is a six-year-old gelding by Roll With Joe. He is owned by the Purple Haze Stables and trained by George Ducharme. He is one for one in 2022. He now has 22 wins. Frank Affrunti drove the $4.50 winner.
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (May 6) with a post time of 6:05 p.m. (EDT).
(Vernon Downs)