Bluffton and driver Homer Hochstetler scored a victory in Friday’s $6,000 featured trot at Vernon Downs.
Bold Fresh (Jimmy Whittemore) went to the lead and led to the first quarter in :27.2. Bluffton ($6.50) took over the lead as they reached the backstretch putting Bold Fresh to the pocket seat. Bluffton led to the half in :57.2 and to three-quarters in 1:27.
Bluffton, who is trained by Homer Hochstetler for owners Connie Hochstetler, Robert Buddig, and Allen Schwartz, led as they made the turn for home. He would hold off a late charge by second place finisher Multitaskr Hanover (Jennifer Lappe) to win in 1:56.0, Spoiler Alert (Howard Parker) finished third.
Bluffton is a four-year-old gelding by Muscle Mass. It was his fourth win this season and 10th career victory.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (September 14) with an 11 race card starting at 6:10 p.m.
(With files from Vernon Downs)