Smoky Bonz wins VD feature

The swift-footed pacer Smoky Bonz extended his tender winning streak to two with a 1:53.1 victory in the $8,000 featured ninth race at Vernon Downs on Saturday night.

Owned by the Purple Haze Stable LLC and George Wyman, the favored Smoky Bonz traveled on the outside from last at the quarter, advancing from fifth at the half to second at the third station.

With trainer Howard Okusko Jr. doing the teaming, the gritty 4-year-old gelding overtook the pace-setting Life Sizzles in the stretch and drew off for a 1-3/4 length decision over the closing How Forever Feels in the week’s Open Handicap.

The win was the fourth at the Downs this season and ninth overall in 2006 for the brown son of Kassa Branca. The $56,500 he’s earned in 24 seasonal starts has raised his career winnings to more than $124,000.

The win was one of three on the evening for Okusko, who also scored with the pacers Seawind Romeo, in 1:54.3 for owners Kathleen and Archie Mc Neil, and Pembroke Pistol, in 1:57.3 for owner William Varney.

(Vernon release)

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