Hamburg, NY — Bourbon Express (Howard Okusko Jr.) and Palomar (Justin Huckabone) captured the co-features at Vernon Downs on Saturday (May 15).

Bourbon Express held firm to win the $7,000 Open Trot.

Bourbon Express was just too strong in deep stretch and won in 1:54.2. Fotowon photo.

American JJ (Michael Miller) charged out for the early lead as Bourbon Express ($5.50) came up to challenge with Winding Hill (Josh Kinney) going three-wide as they headed for the first turn. Bourbon Express got to the first quarter on top in :27.1. Spoiler Alert (Truman Gale) was the first to challenge as they went down the backstretch. Bourbon Express led to the half in :57.3. He shook loose and hit three-quarters first in 1:25.3.

As they made the turn for home American JJ became the major danger and went all out after Bourbon Express. But Bourbon Express was just too strong in deep stretch and won in 1:54.2. American JJ gave it a gallant effort but had to settle for second. Purpose Blue Chip (Dan Daley) was third.

Bourbon Express is a 4-year-old gelding by RC Royalty. Owned by Sal Vullo, James DeArmond, and trainer Jessica Okusko, it was his second win of the season and 10th career victory.

Palomar ($6.60) posted an impressive win in the $7,000 Open Pace.

Rollinlikethunder (Gale) took the lead and led to the first quarter in :27.4. Palomar took over going around the first turn. He got immediate pressure from JM’s Delight (Greg Merton) as they raced for the half. Palomar hit the half first in :56.3. He remained in control leading to three-quarters in 1:24.4.

As they headed for home Palomar had another gear and won going away in 1:51.4. Rollinlikethunder was second best with Star Commander N picking up third money.

Palomar is a 6-year-old gelding by Western Ideal. Owned by Seth Rosenberg Racing and trained by Justin Sodano, it was his first win of 2021. He now has 17 career victories.

It was a good day for the Huckabone family. Justin drove three winners on the card. Brother Claude III drove a winner and trained two winners, with his son Dylan Huckabone Miller driving two horses to the winner’s circle.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (May 21) with a post time of 6:10 p.m. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.