Vernon, NY — Long shot Rub Me and driver Steeven Genois took the $8,700 featured pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Oct. 29).

Frontier Rollo (driven by Jimmy Whittemore) went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :26.3. Party Boy (Michael Kimelman) challenged for the lead as they went down the backstretch, but Frontier Rollo maintained the lead to the half in :55.2 and three-quarters in 1:24.1.

As they made the turn for home, Warrawee Unique (Jeff Sorenson) popped the pocket and went after Frontier Rollo, but Rub Me split horses late and blew on by to win in 1:52.4. Warrawee Unique had to settle for second money; Northern Rein (Frank Affrunti) finished third.

Rub Me emerged late to spring an 18-1 upset in Saturday’s featured pace at Vernon Downs. Fotowon photo.

Rub Me, who paid $38.60 to win, is a 5-year-old Badlands Hanover geldingowned by Phillipe Trudeau and Isabelle Labbe in partnership with trainer Fannie Saul-Beaulieu. It was his fifth win this season and 14th career victory.

20-year-old Jacob Bouck picked up his first career pari-mutuel driving win when he slipped through an opening by the pylons with Road Ready Wes, paying $39.00 for the victory. The 5-year-old Western Ideal gelding is owned by Phillip Doyle and trained by Hannah Miller.

Vernon Downs had a special bicycle race performed by drivers and trainers as part of the Halloween bash. Leon Bailey won with Marissa Chadbourne getting second and Jacob Bouck finishing third. Fun was had by all.

Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (Nov. 4) at 6:05 p.m. For more information, go to www.vernondowns.com.