Islay N charges late to capture Vernon feature
May 15, 2022,Vernon, NY – Islay N (Justin Huckabone) went from last-to-first to win the $7,700 Fillies & Mares Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (May 14).
Surreal Feeling (Josh Kinney) went straight to the front and led to the first quarter in :26.2. She used a :28 second quarter to hit the half first in :54.2. The 7-year-old mare glided to three-quarters in 1:23.1.
As they made the turn for home,Surreal Feeling looked like she was destined to win. Islay N ($31.40) had other ideas. She was last at three-quarters but looked like a rocket down the stretch and just got up in time to win in a seasonal best mile of 1:52. Surreal Feeling had to settle for second money. Purameri (John McDonald) finished third.
Islay N is a 10-year-old mare by Stonebridge Regal. She is trained by Huckabone for owner Jonathan Applebaum. It was her second win this season. She now has 24 career victories.
Brett Crawford had three driving wins on the card. He combined with trainer Marissa Chadbourne to get wins with Galactic Storm ($7.30) and Winding Hill ($11.40). His other win came with Ladyyouaregorgeous ($17.80).
Jeff Sorenson had three training wins on the card. He combined with driver Barton Dalious to get wins with Taken Control ($5.20) and Lapanto ($16.20). He was driver-trainer for his final win when he won with Samson J ($28.40).
Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (May 20) with a post time of 6:05 p.m. For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.