Vernon, NY — Justin Huckabone had a driving grand slam at Vernon Downs on Friday (April 30), and his last win came with The Candyman Can ($3.00) in the $5,000 featured pace.

The Candyman Can held on to win in 1:54.4. Fotowon photo.

The Candyman Can jumped right out to the front as Badix Hanover (Leon Bailey) followed in the pocket. The Candyman Can hit the first quarter in :28.1 and used a :29 second quarter to hit the half in :57.1. He cruised to three-quarters in 1:25.4.

Badix Hanover made his bid in mid-stretch and the two traded blows in deep stretch as Badix Hanover put in a late bid but fell just short as The Candyman Can held on to win in 1:54.4. Napper Tandy (Ray Fisher Jr.) was third best.

The Candyman Can is a 4-year-old gelding by Rockin Image. He is owned by Anthony Ventriglio and trained by Justin Sodano. It was his third win in 2021 and he now has six career victories.

Huckabone got his other wins with Apocalypse ($5.60), P L Notorious ($4.00), and Quiet Heiress ($2.70).

Only Passing Thru (Jimmy Whittemore) won the $5,000 featured trot.

Ulster (Joseph Facin Jr.) came flying out of the gate and led to the first quarter in :29 and kept control to the half in :58. Barn Hall (Claude Huckabone Jr.) came first up from fifth and took over as they hit three-quarters in 1:26.2.

As they made the turn for home Barn Hall went on a break, setting it up for Only Passing Thru ($3.20). Only Passing Thru got free in the stretch and won going away in 1:57.4. Ulster held for second and Carrick (Chris Long) finished third.

Only Passing Thru is a 7-year-old stallion by Muscle Hill. He is owned by Diane Whittemore and trained by Marissa Chadbourne. It was his second win of the season and the 22nd of his career.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (May 1) with a special post time of 4:30 p.m. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.