Trond Smedshammer stole the show Labour Day (Monday, September 5) at Batavia Downs, as the trainer captured three of the four New York Sire Stakes divisions which were part of an all-stakes evening program during the evening program. There was also an afternoon program beforehand.

The second half of the twin bill featured four NYSS events for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings, four $30,000 Late Closers finals for sophomores and four $8,000 County Fair finals. Over $296,000 in NYSS purses was up for grabs.

Trainer/driver Smedshammer guided Purple Haze stable’s Dejarmbro and Im The Answer to popular victories.

Dejarmbro (who returned $2.10 on a successful Win wager) took command at the opening quarter and never had an anxious moment in his $36,405 division. He cruised to a three and a quarter-length score in 1:57.2. The Credit Winner--Armbro Déjà colt notched his eighth win of the season.

“We want to race him on Saturday night in the Canadian Trotting Classic eliminations (at Mohawk),” Smedshammer said. “But we needed to race him here tonight if we want to make the Night of Champions (October 1 at Saratoga Raceway)."

Im the Answer ($2.10) gave Smedshammer the hat trick when he guided the speedy Credit Winner--Southwind Flanders gelding to a three and three-quarter-length score in 1:56.3, the fastest of the four divisions. Im The Answer led off the gate and drew away down the stretch after Surface Tension (driven by Dan Daley) made a costly break approaching the top of the stretch. Im The Answer has won seven of his 12 starts this season.

Bristles Winner ($4.80) and catch driver Smedshammer kicked off the NYSS action when he trotted to a one and a quarter-length score in 1:59 for owner John Carver and trainer Tony Alagna.

Keenan ($2.30) made it eight wins in a row when he trotted to a much-the-best, gate-to-wire win in 1:56.4 in his $36,405 division. Jeff Gregory was in the sulky for the Remmens, owner Ray and trainer Larry. Keenan (Credit Winner--Lookout Victory) has won 11 of his 16 starts. He has maintained his lead in the point standings for the Saratoga Raceway Night of Champions.

Monday night’s Late Closer final winners were Bettors Reward (1:54.4), Tiamo (1:56.4), Cash Poor (2:00.1) and Hit Girl (2:00.2).

The County Fair final winners were Wright Road (1:59.1), Enough Cash (2:03.4), Cabo (2:02) and Grab A Crab (1:57.2).

(With files from Batavia)