Oak Grove, KY — Last season’s leading tandem of trainer Erv Miller and driver Atlee Bender made their first appearance in the Oak Grove winner’s circle for the 2025 meet when 4-5 favorite Bluebird Deacon emerged from a pocket ride to score a 1:56.2 win in the $17,000 featured trot on Tuesday (April 1).
Starting from the pylon post, Bender secured the pocket spot as Bee Our Honey (driven by Brandon Bates) crossed to clear the lead to a :27.1 first quarter with 46-1 shot Susie’s Sister (Jafari Frazier) left parked on the outside. With the long shot caught on the rim, Bee Our Honey rationed speed to a :57.2 half and kept the backfield jammed while he cruised up the backside towards three-quarters in 1:27 to ready for the final-quarter sprint. Susie’s Sister retreated on the turn, leaving room for Bluebird Deacon to fan outside and lay aim on Bee Our Honey in the stretch drive. Bluebird Deacon slid forward and held the win by a half length as It’s A Herbie (Verlin Yoder) also shook free from a pylon trip to take second. Bee Our Honey settled for third and Oh Boy (Pat Curtin) closed for fourth.
An 8-year-old gelding by Swan For All, Bluebird Deacon won for the 17th time from 93 starts and has now earned $309,905. He paid $3.74 to win.
Racing at Oak Grove continues on Monday (April 7). First-race post time at Oak Grove is 1:45 p.m. (CDT). For more information on Oak Grove, visit oakgrovegaming.com.