Butterscotch Swirl used his effective closing routine to post a 1:56 victory in Friday night’s $9,000 featured eighth event, the week’s Open Handicap Trot at Vernon Downs
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Fourth to the half, Butterscotch Swirl ($13.00) and driver Chris Lems advanced to second with an outside rush entering the homestretch, and then edged out Investor Springs by a nose in a four-horse win photo that also included the pacesetting Eng Amer Davanti and Jacobs Winner.
It marked the fourth Vernon tally this season for the six-year-old son of Credit Winner-Flavorofthemonth, tying the gritty gelding with Crown Rules, Hanger Pride N, LArgent Hall and Tip The Tide for most local trotting tallies through 40 programs. Dave Dewhurst trains the career winner of more than $141,000 for his wife, Regina, and co-owner Dominick Schillace.
Earning maiden victories during Friday’s nine-race card were the two-year-old colt trotter Nodoubtinmymind (1:58.3, with Josh Marks teaming for trainer Roman Lopez and owner James Switlyk), and the freshman colt pacer Bullish Blue Chip (1:56.2, with Howard Okusko, Jr. steering for his wife, trainer Jessica Okusko, and Wanda Polisseni’s Purple Haze Stables).
Defending driving champ Marks captured four of Friday’s races, the fourth time he’s accomplished this feat at the meet, while current dash leader Okusko and his wife, the track’s top trainer, each made three trips to the winner’s circle.
(Vernon Downs)