Trainer Mark Harder swept a pair of $50,000+ divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for freshman pacing colts and geldings contested at Vernon Downs on Friday (August 28).

Southwind Petyr ($5.10) charged late to win the $51,300 first division with Dexter Dunn in the sulky.

With unbeaten American Courage out of the race scratched sick, it was a wide-open affair. What About Bob (Troy Beyer) took the lead as the field went by the stands for the first time, but Southwind Petyr took control just before hitting the first quarter in :27.1.

Sauvignon Bluechip (Tyler Buter) came flying first-over from fourth and took command to hit the half first in :56.2.

Major Makover (Mark MacDonald) made a move first-over going around the final turn. Sauvignon Bluechip still had a slight lead as he hit three-quarters first in 1:25.1.

As they made the turn for home, Major Makover came hard at Sauvignon Bluechip in the stretch while Southwind Petyr desperately needed racing room. He finally found an opening on the inside and squeezed right on by to score a maiden-breaking win in his second start, clocking the mile in 1:52.4. Major Makover finished second with Sauvignon Bluechip settling for third.

Southwind Petyr is a colt by American Ideal out of Southwind Paris. He is owned by Harder, Deena Frost, Wayne Carleton and Dean Lockhart.

King James Express ($10.60) and Jason Bartlett captured the $50,400 second division.

Make My Deo (Tyler Buter) went to the lead and fronted the field to the first quarter in :27.

The big favourite, Ill Drink To That (Dexter Dunn), came first-up from third and took over the lead, hitting the first half on top in :55.1. Ill Drink To That looked strong hitting three-quarters first in 1:23.3.

King James Express made his move from third as they reached the stretch. He came flying down the lane like he was fired out of a cannon and blew right on by to win in a lifetime-best clocking of 1:52 flat. I’ll Drink To That held on to finish second while Stop Staring (Mark MacDonald) came on to finish third.

King James Express, a gelding by Art Major out of More Diamonds, is now two-for-six in his career. Owners Carleton, Frost and Harder once again teamed up as part of the NYSS sweep.

Live racing resumes at Vernon Downs on Saturday (August 29) with a 13-race card starting at 3 p.m.

(With files from Vernon Downs)