Kountry Plunge, Cowboy Candy set track records in Big Apple finals at Vernon

Posted on October 10, 2026 by John Horne, for Vernon Downs

Kountry Plunge, driven by Brian Sears, captured the Big Apple trot final for freshman filly trotters.

Jason Bartlett aggressively sent Secret Lover to the front from post 6, clicking off a sharp opening quarter of :27.2 seconds. Moving down the backstretch, Sears tipped Kountry Plunge to the outside using an effortless brush, and she cleared to the lead before the half-mile pole, getting to the half in :57.1. She cruised to three-quarters in 1:26.

As they made the turn for home, Kountry Plunge left the others in her dust, winning in a track-record time for freshman filly trotters in 1:53.2. Seven Thirds (driven by Matt Kakaley) was second best. Wavy Xavie (Jeff Gregory) finished third.

Kountry Plunge is a filly by Chaper Seven-Plunge Blue Chip. She is trained by Åke Svanstedt for owners OBM Stable, Svanstedt & Midnight Sun, Bender Sweden Inc., and Ecurie Diocles AB. She is now 7-for-7, with $412,100 in earnings. She paid $2.10 to win.

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