Harness driver Claude Huckabone, Jr. captured his 2,000th career victory winning Friday’s $9,000 featured trot with Barn Bella at Vernon Downs.
Barn Bella ($3.40) went straight to the front and controlled all the fractions (:26.4, :54.4, 1:23.1, 1:52). Owned by Purple Haze Stables with Nancy and trainer Steven Pratt. Barn Bella was beaten in the stretch last week but this week she had plenty in the tank winning by six lengths. Buff (Joe Nasimos) finished second, with Muscles Jared (Howard Okusko, Jr.) getting third money.
Barn Bella is a four-year-old mare by Conway Hall. It was her first win of 2018 and career victory number 19.
Claude Huckabone, Jr. is a long-time regular at Vernon Downs. It was fitting he got his 2000th win at the Miracle Mile on the last race of the evening.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday with a nine-race card starting at 6:10 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)