Bullville Jonathan cruised to victory in the featured $5,000 Open 3 Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Sept. 4).
Jericho Willie went to the front and led to the first quarter in :26.2. He used a :28.3 second quarter to hit the half first in :55. Boys Turn was the first to make a move going first-up heading down the backstretch. He started to sputter and that forced a three-wide move from Bullville Jonathan. Jericho Willie held on to a slight lead to three-quarters in 1:23.3.
As they made the turn for home, Bullville Jonathan found another gear and made it a race for second. He won in a lifetime best of 1:51.3. Hopnroll Heaven came on late to finish second and was a nose better than third place finisher Sammy The Bull N.
Bullville Jonathan is a three-year-old gelding by Roll With Joe. He is owned by Crevani Farms and trained by Stephen Crevani. It was his sixth win of the season and of his career. Leon Bailey drove the $6.90 winner.
Bailey, Justin Huckabone, and Truman Gale all hide driving doubles. Jody Weidman had a training double.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Sept. 10) and Saturday (Sept. 11). On Sept. 11th, Vernon Downs with play host to the Excelsior A Finals. Fireworks will follow live racing. Post time for both nights is 6:10 p.m. (EDT)
(Vernon Downs)