Driver Leon Bailey was in seventh heaven for the second time in his career as he won seven races at Vernon Downs on Saturday (June 8). Bailey's triumphs on the night included sweeps of both of Vernon's feature races.
Bailey guided Warrawee Unique ($4.50) to a win in the $10,329 featured pace. He also captured the $10,329 featured trot with Bourbon Express ($4.90).
In the featured pace, Warrawee Unique went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :27. Using a :29 second quarter, he was first to the half in :56. As they went around the final turn, Warrawee Unique just took off and breezed to the three-quarters in 1:23.2.
As they reached the stretch, Warrawee Unique made it a race for second as he won easily in 1:50.4. Snap Call (John MacDonald) was second. Captain Terror (Dylan Huckabone-Miller) finished third.
Warrawee Unique is a six-year-old gelding by Sweet Lou. He is owned by the Betcha Win Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson. It was his fourth win this season and his 28th career victory.
During the open trot, Bailey had Bourbon Express first to the quarter in :27.2. He really slowed things down with a :30.2 second quarter and led to the half in :57.4. Bourbon Express was still on top at the three-quarters in 1:27.2.
As they reached the stretch, Zapaca pulled the pocket and went to the outside as Flyhawk El Fuerte (Macdonald) slipped through on the inside. Bourbon Express had plenty in the tank, though, and dug in to win in 1:56.1. Flyhawk El Fuerte earned second money as Telenovela (Huckabone-Miller) finished third.
A four-time winner this year, Bourbon Express, a seven-year-old gelding by RC Royalty, shows 28 career victories. He is owned by James DeArmond, Sal Vullo, and trainer Jessica Okusko.
Bailey got his other wins with Exarch, Rally Your Crew, Kisses From Above, Cultural Paradise, and Ideal Artillery.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (June 14) featuring the Empire Breeders Classic for three-year-old trotters starting at 12:15 pm.
(With files from Vernon Downs)