Oak Grove, KY — In a “stunning” performance overcoming the outside eight post, Stun Gun took top honors in the United States Driving Club (USHDC) feature at Oak Grove Racing & Gaming on Monday (May 12).
Driven by Shae Vandervort for owner-trainer Roni Vandervort, the 6-year-old gelded son of Always B Miki caught live cover throughout the mile, making a decisive three-wide binge around the final turn and went on to score a handy two-length win in 1:55.1.
Joker Rockwell, also going a brave journey while outside the entire route, finished second for Travis Williams Jr. while Genie Ina Bottle enjoyed a ground-saving journey to be third for Donricus Blackmon.
At the outset, Other Peoples Beer left with alacrity with Genie Ina Bottle alongside wit Joker Rockwell, the 8-5 favorite, pressing on, as well, with Stun Gun looking to join the fray and follow live cover.
“That’s exactly the way it worked out,” said driver Shae Vandervort. “I knew the horse in front of me was the one to beat and the live cover was just what the doctor ordered with the two horses in front battling pretty good!”
Indeed, with an opening panel in :28.1, Other Peoples Beer and Joker Rockwell were in a war of sorts with Stun Gun simply following the live cover flow past the half in :57.3.
On the backside, Joker Rockwell finally took charge but Stun Gun made that decisive binge three-wide and forged to the lead past the third station in 1:26.2.
From there, it was a sharp :28.4 finale that sealed the deal.
In a post-race interview, trainer Roni Vandervort said, “Stun Gun gave a nice hint in his last start after being bothered early on and he can always be counted on to get home in :28 and change.”
It was the first win of the year in six starts for Stun Gun and sent his career earnings to $71,118.
Stun Gun rewarded his faithful with a $9.56 mutuel.