I was about to put MOUNT as my second guess to see if more vowels would appear but, considering I had the E in position 5 changed it to OUNCE. Bit of fiddling but OZONE was the only possible word.
As to lucky guesses. . .I seem to get a lot of those right, then one I donβt. Generally have a bit of luck guessing what might be the word. Didnβt think PATSY would be a result for the NYT but there you go.