Vernon, NY — Justin Huckabone is having a year to remember at Vernon Downs. He continued his dominant 2022 season at the Miracle Mile with five more driving wins on Saturday (June 11).

Huckabone combined with trainer Misty Carey for wins with Tempster Hanover ($4.10) and Jericho Willie ($2.80), won with his own trainee Ruthless Dude ($3.80), and got his other wins with Kisses From Above ($3.00) and Jenny Lake ($4.80).

While Huckabone was the star of the driving colony, Golden Gun and driver Barton Dalious proved toughest of all the featured $7,700 Open Pace.

Golden Gun ($8.70) went to the front and led to the first quarter in :26.1. Lyons Pegasus (Huckabone) came flying first-over and challenged Golden Gun down the backstretch. Golden Gun had a slight lead to the half in :56, and the two continued to go shoulder to shoulder around the final turn, with Golden Gun maintaining his lead to three-quarters in 1:23.2.

Golden Gun (#6) held off a late charge from Lyons Pegasus to win Saturday’s Open Pace at Vernon Downs. Fotowon photo.

As they reached the stretch, Golden Gun look like he was clear but second place finisher, Lyons Pegasus charged at him one more time. Golden Gun hung on to win in a seasonal best 1:52.3. Gold Star Lambeau (Adam Capizzano) came up late to finish third.

Golden Gun is a 12-year-old gelding by Headmaster owned by the Wiz Kids Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson. It was his second win this season. He now has 45 career victories.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (June 17) featuring the Empire Breeders Classic for 3-year-old trotters as well as the New York Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies. Post time is 12:15 p.m. For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.